The recent deportation of Sikh individuals from the United States, during which they were reportedly forced to remove their turbans and subjected to inhumane treatment, has rightfully ignited outrage within the Sikh community and among human rights advocates. However, a conspicuous silence from Sikh Members of Parliament and political leaders in Western nations such as the UK, Canada, and the US, as well as from prominent Khalistan proponents, raises pressing questions about their commitment to defending Sikh rights on a global scale.
In mid-February 2025, multiple flights carrying deported Indian nationals arrived in Amritsar, Punjab. Reports indicate that Sikh deportees were compelled to remove their turbans—a profound symbol of their faith—and endured shackling and other forms of mistreatment during transit. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned these actions, emphasizing that such treatment constitutes a severe affront to Sikh religious identity. SGPC member Gurcharan Singh Grewal stated, “It is a matter of regret that deportees were brought in shackles and Sikh deportees were not wearing turbans.”
Despite the gravity of these violations, there has been a notable absence of public statements or interventions from Sikh political figures in Western countries. This silence is particularly perplexing given their historical readiness to address Sikh issues in India. An India-based Sikh leader criticized this inaction, questioning, “Where are the Sikh MPs, ministers, and activists who never hesitate to speak on Sikh issues in India? Does their voice falter when Sikh identity is trampled in America?”
The lack of response from Khalistan advocates is equally troubling. These individuals and organizations, who vociferously campaign for Sikh sovereignty and rights, have remained conspicuously quiet regarding the maltreatment of Sikh deportees. This reticence undermines their claims to safeguarding Sikh interests and calls into question the consistency of their advocacy.
The turban is not merely a piece of cloth; it is an integral component of Sikh identity, symbolizing honor, self-respect, and spirituality. Forcing Sikhs to remove their turbans is a profound violation of their religious freedoms and human rights. The silence of Sikh leaders in the West and Khalistan proponents in the face of such indignities suggests a selective approach to advocacy, one that appears contingent on political convenience rather than unwavering principles.
It is imperative for Sikh political representatives and activists worldwide to consistently and vocally oppose injustices against Sikhs, irrespective of where they occur. Selective silence not only erodes the credibility of their advocacy but also emboldens those who perpetrate such violations. The global Sikh community must hold its leaders accountable, ensuring that their actions align with the values of justice, equality, and unwavering support for Sikh rights everywhere.
