Human Rights Advocacy Supports Sikhs Against Plans for Shillong Shopping Mall

SHILLONG, INDIA – Amidst a protest organized by a group of more than 100 local women during a government land survey of Punjabi Lane, UNITED SIKHS today announced it is moving forward with legal advocacy work to address the proposed relocation of Sikh residents.

“Through tears, numerous residents today have expressed concerns that they are being forced out of the land their forefathers were given by the government centuries ago,” said Delhi High Court Lawyer Baljinder Singh, Senior Legal Advisor.

Shillong women protest a government land survey

The Meghalaya Government ordered the survey after reports of recent mob violence resulting from a dispute between a group of young Sikh women and a Shillong Transport Service driver occurred three weeks ago today. At the direct request of Punjabi Lane’s Gurdwara Committee, UNITED SIKHS have been on ground zero providing humanitarian aid to residents of all faiths, including new bedding, food and water distribution, fire extinguisher installation and fire safety training.

Partnerships forged with local authorities – including Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar, Superintendent Davis N.R. Marak, Personal Assistant to Director General of Police (DGP) S B Singh, and General Secretary of Punjabi Lane’s Gurdwara Committee Gurjit Singh – continue to highlight the need for legal representation on behalf of the Sikh community.

A group of more than 100 women gathered in Shillong to protest a government land survey

“Sikhs have been living here since 1853 when the British brought them as soldiers and sanitation workers,” said Gurjit Singh. “This used to be a wasteland owned by the Khasi royalty, who made an agreement with the British rulers and donated the land for our ancestors to stay.”

“This is our land, and we are not going anywhere,” added Gurjit’s daughter, Harpeet Kaur, at the women’s protest. “According to law in India, we can stay where we want.”

To address the long-term needs of Shillong residents, the UNITED SIKHS legal team has obtained evidence that supports the Sikh community’s rights to the disputed land. Under constant duress, residents face constant threats of petrol bombs hurled at their wood dwellings and believe the government-sanctioned survey is putting Sikhs at risk of permanently losing their homes.

                                                           UNITED SIKHS Meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma

“When a community calls for help, UNITED SIKHS make it our mission to answer,” said Mohinderjit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Relief Coordinator. “Residents have stated time and again that they believe real estate dealers and local leaders are trying to move them so they can build a shopping complex on the land. This concern goes beyond gentrification – it is affecting their daily quality of life and mental health, which is already impacted by extremely harsh living conditions.”

The Sikh Aid relief team continues to assess ground conditions, as curfew remains in place. Reports of a fire at a local shop have added to the community’s unrest, and police have yet to release three Sikh boys in their custody since the initial violence was reported. In a meeting with Gurjit Singh, the legal team was met by Shillong police, who were seeking to question the four young Sikh women who defended themselves in the initial dispute with the transport service driver who harassed them.

“Justice for the Sikh community on all fronts remains paramount to our humanitarian efforts in Shillong,” said Supreme Court Advocate Girdhar Govind, Legal Advisor. “While our relief and aid distribution address the immediate needs of residents, a legal action will ensure the will of the people prevails over the unprecedented relocation proposal. The livelihood of these residents has far more value than any proposed shopping complex.”

                                              Left: Police meet with local shop owner after fire. Right: Land Survey in Shillong

UNITED SIKHS history of Seva (acts of selfless service) in India demonstrates our persistent efforts to uplift humanity whenever, wherever needed. To date, the organization has served enough rice, lentils, wheat and water in Shillong to feed 300 families.

This work can only continue through the generous support of donor contributions. To support the campaign to Feed Shillong Families, please visit:https://unitedsikhs.org/donate/. USA donors can also donate by sending the text “SHILLONGAID” to 91999. For the latest updates, please visit our Shillong project webpage and UNITED SIKHS on Facebook and Twitter.

                                  Langar food distribution hosted by UNITED SIKHS continue at the U.P. School in Punjabi Lane

Issued by:
Gurvinder Singh
Director, UNITED SIKHS
E:sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org

ABOUT UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is a United Nations-associated global charity that advocates for civil and human rights, registered in 11 chapters. Our International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy helps advance the economic, social and spiritual empowerment of minorities and other marginalized groups and individuals in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social status, age or ability. We achieve this by protecting and enforcing the civil and human rights of minorities and marginalized groups in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Visit us at www.UNITEDSIKHS.org.