PROTEST IN GLASGOW ON EVE OF COP26 VISIT BY INDIAN PM, NARANDRA MODI
Glasgow - 29 October 2021
Around 1,000 Sikh from across the UK are expected to protest tomorrow (Saturday 30 October) joined by others in George Square, Glasgow between 12-3pm on the eve of COP26 where over 100 world leaders have started to gather.
Narendra Modi will arrive with other world leaders in the UK on 31 October following a G20 Summit in Rome and will face criticism as India alongside China, two of the world’s largest polluters have rejected the net zero emissions target and totally undermined the Climate Summit and the global fight against climate change.
Narendra Modi wanted to meet Boris Johnson on the side lines of COP26, but it is understood this is now unlikely to happen as Boris Johnson is furious with the Indian Government’s attitude to climate change and the Indian Government’s announcement.
The protest in Glasgow will send several clear messages to both leaders:
a) Sikhs will Never Forget the 1984 Sikh Genocide carried out by the Indian State for which there has been no justice nearly four decades later. b) Sikhs and environmentalists support the Farmers Protest against the three farm laws that is taking place on streets outside Delhi and is nearing its 1st anniversary. c) Sikhs and others demand the release of Jagtar Singh Johal from Dumbarton who has been arbitrarily detained for nearly 4 years and where Boris Johnson is duty bound to follow UK policy and demand his release from Narendra Modi.
Bhai Amrik Singh the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said:
“India’ reputation on the world stage continues to deteriorate and world leaders need to publicly challenge the Indian Government on climate change, treatment of farmers peacefully protesting across India calling for the repeal of three agricultural reform laws that threaten their livelihoods and its appalling human rights record.”
“World leaders must publicly raise human rights violations in India, especially against minorities and not hide behind diplomatic efforts that have failed to influence the Indian authorities.”
“The protest is also designed to ensure Boris Johnson in exchanges with Narendra Modi demands the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal from Dumbarton. It is unacceptable a British citizen has been arbitrarily detained for nearly 4 years.”
ENDS Harnek Singh National Press Secretary Sikh Federation (UK)