Bhai Amritpal Singh's Message Regarding His Electoral Victory
"Rather than attributing this success to himself, he emphasized that it is a triumph for the resilient people of Punjab, particularly the Khalsa Panth."
Gurkeerat Singh
June 6, 2024 | 2 min. read | Opinion
Bhai Amritpal Singh, currently detained in Dibrugarh Jail, has conveyed a message to his supporters in Punjab and worldwide, celebrating the victory in the Khadur Sahib constituency. Rather than attributing this success to himself, he emphasized that it is a triumph for the resilient people of Punjab, particularly the Khalsa Panth. He urged voters and well-wishers to refrain from celebrating during Ghallughara week.
Singh reminded everyone that the 40th anniversary of the June 1984 massacre marks a time when the Indian government desecrated numerous Gurdwaras, including Sri Harminder Sahib, with armed attacks. This tragic event resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of Sikhs. He described this as the culmination of the Indian government’s brutality, mistrust, and persecution of the Sikh community, adding a grievous chapter to Sikh history that will never be forgotten.
Regarding the Khadur Sahib victory, Singh acknowledged it as a step towards their goal, but not the ultimate destination. He called for inspiration from the electorate’s passion and stressed the importance of serious brainstorming and efforts towards mutual unity to address the challenges facing the Panth and Punjab.
Singh highlighted the significant challenge of steering Punjab’s youth, who are entangled in drug issues, back towards their religious and cultural heritage. He found hope in the unity and resolve displayed by the people during the election process, believing that mutual unity and determination can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
He asserted the importance of each victory in their long battle. Although voting power alone cannot address all Sikh issues due to their minority status, Singh argued that they must not abandon the electoral arena. Every front must be engaged in the pursuit of our Sikh nation’s rights. He appealed to Sikhs to remain vigilant and organized to preserve the existence of the Panth and Punjab.
Bhai Amritpal Singh concluded by noting that even if we win all 13 Lok Sabha seats from Punjab, this would represent a small fraction of the 543 seats in Parliament. However, he believes that by staying connected to their heritage, Sikhs can harness a strength that has historically defeated great empires.
Gurkeerat Singh, a Canadian-born photographer, spent four months, from October 2022 to January 2023, to document the activities of Bhai Amritpal Singh in Punjab. With over 15 years of active involvement in the Sikh community, Gurkeerat has closely observed recent developments in Punjab. His latest documentary, Anandpur Vaapsi, provides a compelling insight into the drug crisis in Punjab and highlights Bhai Amritpal Singh’s efforts to inspire and assist vulnerable youth in overcoming their addictions.
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