UNITED SIKHS REUNITE SHILLONG SIKH WITH FAMILY
Final Detained Youth in Police Custody Released on Bail
SHILLONG, INDIA Through an appeal to East Khasi Hills Court, UNITED SIKHS today announced bail for Gurpreet Singh, 20, the final Sikh youth who remained in detention following a police investigation of the mob activity that occurred over one month ago. Mr. Singh’s release comes just five days after the International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) legal division of the organization successfully argued bail for Anil Singh, 24, and Bittu Maci, 36. We thank Delhi High Court Advocates Baljinder Singh and Neetu Singh.
In addition to advocating for the detained Sikh youth, the ICHRA legal team under the guidance of Supreme Court Advocate Govind Girdhar and General Secretary of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Gurjit Singh, to secure the land for Sikh families in Punjabi Lane. A hearing in Delhi court will take place on July 12.
“This is a great victory for the Sikh community, who continue to face hardships following a series of public attacks,” said Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS Legal Director. “Building on this momentum, we look forward to achieving justice for the 350 Sikh families under threat of displacement. They have rights to the land they’ve called home for more than two centuries, and we will ensure their voices are heard in court next month.”
UNITED SIKHS volunteers stand with Gurpreet Singh upon release from policy custody
At the behest of the local community, UNITED SIKHS continue to assess critical needs in Shillong. Mental health and quality of life for families remain paramount after the lock down of Punjabi Lane rendered daily wage earners without access to work. The organization continues to host fire safety training, install fire extinguishers, distribute bedding, and prepare hot meals to people of all faiths at the U. P. School.
UNITED SIKHS Ground Coordinator Mohinderjit Singh (c) stands with Anil Singh (l), Bittu Maci (r) and their families upon bail
In an effort to address ongoing community concerns, UNITED SIKHS continue to work with local authorities and elected officials, who have extended their partnership and gratitude for humanitarian aid. These officials include: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar, and Superintendent Davis N.R. Marak, Assistant to Director General of Police S B Singh.
Shillong Sikhs need continued support during this time of unrest. To donate the campaign to Feed Shillong Families, please visit our donation page or USA donor can text ‘SHILLONGAID’ to 91999. For the latest updates visit the Shillong Aid Project page, please visit UNITED SIKHS on Facebook and Twitter.
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.
