HORE Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the group Sikhs for Justice, used a press conference in on Wednesday to level serious accusations against the Indian government while congratulating Pakistan on its Independence Day.
Speaking via video link at Lahore Press Club, Pannun claimed that a genocide against Sikhs is ongoing in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. He stated 18,000 Sikh farmers have committed suicide due to crushing debt burdens.
Pannun outlined his strategy for political change emphasizing a democratic approach through electoral participation. He announced that a referendum concerning the establishment of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state, will be in the United States on August 16. The vote will be open to Sikhs residing in the US and other countries.
In a notable shift of focus, the Sikh leader extended congratulations to the people of on their Independence Day. He remarked that under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Pakistan is making significant progress.>
Pannun further asserted that Pakistan is currently playing an important and constructive role on the world stage, positioning his comments within a geopolitical context that contrasts sharply with his criticism of the Indian state.
The announcement of the US-based referendum and the allegations of genocide likely to further strain relations between Sikh activist groups and the Indian government, which has previously labeled Sikhs for Justice as an unlawful association.

