From New York to Punjab: Sikh Bodies Demand Justice, Announce Legal Aid for Victims

American Sikh Organizations Issue Strong Warning Against Punjab Police's Alleged Role in Fake Encounters and Torture of Youth
By Ali Imran Chattha | Nazrana Times Monitoring Desk | New York, April 12, 2026
 

A joint press conference held Sunday at the Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, New York, brought together representatives of numerous Sikh organizations and Gurdwara committees to issue a strong warning against what they described as a systematic campaign of state-sponsored violence against Punjabi youth in India.
The gathering, attended by more than a dozen diaspora organizations and community groups, expressed solidarity with the people of Punjab and condemned what speakers called a coordinated effort by the Punjab Police allegedly in collusion with central Indian agencies to eliminate young Sikhs under the guise of antigangster operations.
Allegations of Fake Encounters
Community leaders alleged that the staging of fake encounters against Punjabi youth is part of a long-standing, premeditated plan targeting the Sikh community. Speakers cited the recent death of (19) years old" Ranjit Singh" from Arian village in Gurdaspur district as a stark example. According to those present, Singh was taken from his home for questioning and subsequently killed in police custody. The organizations characterized this as emblematic of a broader pattern of extrajudicial killings being carried out by state authorities.
"News of fake encounters emerges daily," said one speaker, adding that a state-sponsored conspiracy is underway to eliminate Punjabi youth under the pretext of combating gangsterism.
Sacrilege and Ongoing Protests
The press conference also highlighted what participants described as an unchecked rise in incidents of sacrilege against Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture revered as the living Guru of the Sikhs. Speakers drew attention to the ongoing protest by Gurjit Singh in Samana, who has been atop a tower for over 550 days demanding legislative protection against sacrilege. A morcha (formal protest) movement has been launched calling on the Punjab government to enact a law ensuring swift trials and stringent punishments for such offenses.
A People in Resistance
Sikh leaders described the people of Punjab as locked in daily resistance against multiple forms of state oppression. They cited several active movements: the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha in Mohali, which advocates for the release of imprisoned Sikh detainees; the Guru Granth Sahib Morcha in Samana; widespread public anger over the alleged killing of Ranjit Singh; and student protests against RSS activities at Panjab University in Chandigarh.
Referencing messages from Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara delivered at the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, leaders called on all factions active in Punjab to unite under a common front to collectively address what they termed national issues facing the Sikh community.
Legal Aid Initiative Announced
In a concrete step forward, the assembled organizations announced the formation of a joint legal team. A time bound program was outlined to provide legal aid to Sikh youth who are victims of police or state torture, as well as to Singhs currently imprisoned. The initiative represents a coordinated diaspora effort to extend institutional support to those facing legal jeopardy in Punjab.
A Call to the Youth of Punjab
Closing remarks addressed the youth of Punjab directly, urging them to recognize their heritage as defenders of the land of the Gurus. The organizations called on them to remain resolute against what they described as attempts to colonize and exploit Punjab, affirming that with the grace of the Guru the Panth and Punjab will endure in a state of Chardi Kala, or eternal optimism and glory.
Organizations Present
The press conference was attended by representatives of the Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar, American Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Youth of America, Baba Banda Singh Bahadar International Sikh Society, Gurdwara Sikh Center of New York Inc., Sikh Gurdwara of Pinehill, Shri Guru Singh Sabha New Jersey, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Fairfax Virginia, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Sports Club, and numerous other representatives and community members.
 

Reporting by Ali Imran Chattha, Nazrana Times Monitoring Desk