Chandigarh, Aug 15 (IANS): Despite international criticism, Pakistan continues to extend unflinching support to anti-India elements and even allows them to use Sikhs' religious places to further their agenda. On the occasion of India's Independence Day, a handful of Sikhs gathered at Pakistan's Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Sikhs' first master Guru Nanak Dev, and raised slogans in support of Khalistan and Kashmir under the watchful eyes of Pakistan's security personnel.
Holding Khalsa flags in their hands, they, especially their leader identified as Gopal Singh Chawla, Chairman of Punjabi Sikh Sangat, rode rough on the Indian tricolor. And all this was happening in presence of police which tantamounts to understanding the support of the Pakistan establishment especially the ISI behind their protest and also uploading the same on social media.
A source in Pakistan informed that on August 14, the Independence Day of Pakistan, the Pak flag was hoisted atop the building of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib despite the fact that Shiromani Gurdwara Parbanchak Committee has recommended only religious flags to be hoisted on Gurdwaras. Titled 'Black Day', this group of Pakistani Sikhs also spoke against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On August 13, Pak establishment had allowed US based separatist Sikh group Sikh For Justice (SFJ) to hold 'akhand path' at historical Gurdwara Darbar Sahib for the ensuing Khalistan referendum, the 'bhog' of which was performed on August 15.
Banned for spreading anti-India activities, the Pakistan-based activists of SFJ and several government officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board and Project Management Unit participated in the ceremony held to perform the 'bhog' of 'akhand path' at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartapur Sahib, Pakistan for the 'chardi kalan' (high esteem) of Khalistan Referendum.
A poster informing about the beginning of 'akhand path' reads that the 'sewa' (voluntary service) of 'akhand path' is being performed by 'people of Pakistan' and SFJ. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of SFJ said that the 'bhog' of 'akhand path' was performed on August 15 which coincided with Pakistan-India independence days adding that the voting for Khalistan Referendum would be held on September 18 in Canada.
Notably, SFJ was banned for spreading anti-India propaganda under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on July 10, 2019. In the past, SFJ had attempted to entice the gullible Punjabis by announcing cash rewards for carrying out anti-India activities.