ICHRA
UNITED SIKHS: On Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Visit to India
Image C’tsy: Twitter Secretary Antony Blinken
July 29, 2021
New York, NY
UNITED SIKHS was grateful to learn that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited India on July 27 and 28, 2021. While we do not know exactly what was discussed at the meetings, it is our hope that issues we have raised with the Biden Administration would be raised at the meetings.
UNITED SIKHS has stressed the importance of ensuring that the rights of the protestors at the Farmers Strike be respected. The largest, peaceful protest in the world has been ongoing in India since November 2020. UNITED SIKHS volunteers and staff have been providing support to the farmers and protestors since the protests began. Sadly, UNITED SIKHS has been informed of many instances of harsh and violent treatment by the local police departments against the peaceful protestors. We have also heard of violence against protestors by civilians without intervention from the police. This is all compounded by internet blockages which prevent social media posts documenting the events from being posted. We hope that Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of the protestors, many of whom are older farmers who are trying to preserve their livelihood.
Secretary Blinken said, “Here in India, that includes the free media, independent courts, a vibrant and free and fair electoral system – the largest expression of free political will by citizens anywhere in the world. At a time of rising global threats to democracy and international freedoms – we talk about a democratic recession – it’s vital that we two world leading democracies continue to stand together in support of these ideals.”
UNITED SIKHS urges Secretary Blinken to obtain a commitment from India to uphold its legally-mandated democratic ideals.
Secretary Blinken and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed their commitment to Afghanistan. UNITED SIKHS has been helping Afghan Sikhs and Hindus relocate from Afghanistan to different countries around the world, including India. We are concerned for all members of religious minorities that remain in Afghanistan and hope that the U.S. and India can come up with a solution to ensure their safety. While sanctions against Afghanistan are a viable remedy, UNITED SIKHS would prefer a proactive approach to assisting religious minorities that remain in Afghanistan without any harm coming to them. India’s commitment to helping the Afghan refugees would be especially welcome.
By: Eva Landeo
Media and Development Coordinator
