Pakistan trying to incite Sikhs: India
A terrorist secessionist movement aimed at the formation of an independent Khalistan had rocked Punjab in the 1980s and early 1990s.
New Delhi: India on Monday accused Pakistan of trying to incite Indian Sikh pilgrims there by raising the issue of “Khalistan” through inflammatory statements and posters. New Delhi lodged a strong protest and summoned the Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner over the developments.
Islamabad was told to stop all activities aimed at undermining India’s territorial integrity and to stop extending support to secessionist movements in India. This marks the escalation of a fresh diplomatic row between the two countries that erupted on Sunday when India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over “blocking of access” for visiting Indian Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams. A “jatha” (batch) of 1800 Indian Sikh pilgrims is currently visiting Pakistan.
It may be recalled that Pakistani security agencies including the notorious ISI have long been under the scanner for their role in trying to get pro-Khalistan elements in Europe and North America to instigate Indian Sikh pilgrims who visit Pakistan.