One year on, it is important to recognize that the protests have continued. While hundreds of farmers have
during this period, they continue to raise their voices despite violence, extreme weather, and government sanctioned tactics aimed at silencing their right to protest. Just last month, a Haryana official was
telling police to “crack [protestor’s] heads.”
The Sikh Coalition joins Sikhs across the United States and around the world in solidarity with these farmers and protestors. Accordingly, earlier this year, our organization undertook
several advocacy approaches to raising awareness and spurring action on this issue. We
mobilized thousands of community members to send almost 20,000 messages to their members of Congress about this issue,
sent 6 letters from our organization to U.S. government leaders on the subject,
fought for a congressional resolution to express support for the farmers,
facilitated and amplified letters from more than 15 members of Congress to the executive branch and the Indian Ambassador,
provided draft resolution language for sangat members to approach their state and local governments,
enlisted press freedom organizations to speak out about detained journalists and activists,
contacted social media companies about censorship and internet blackouts by the Indian government,
bolstered allied organizations’ efforts to raise awareness, fielded national and international media requests, and provided media support to sangats organizing local protests and rallies.
“From Punjab to here in the United States, the Sikh community continues to demonstrate our strength when we come together to mobilize and organize,” continued Kaur. “We encourage you to continue paying attention and staying outspoken on all issues of civic engagement--especially the farmers’ most basic right to participate in a free and open society.”
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
