Baku: The Sikh people have deep historical ties with Azerbaijan and especially with Baku, said Moninder Singh, head of the Sikh Federation in Canada, during his speech at the international conference titled 'June 1984, Amritsar Events: India's Transnational Repression Against Ethnic Minorities in the Context of Genocide'. The conference was dedicated to addressing the Indian government's repressive policy against ethnic minorities.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Singh highlighted the historical engagements of Sikh religious figures, travelers, and merchants who have traversed these lands. He pointed out that one of the written monuments in the Sikh language is located within the territory of the Ateshgah Temple, underscoring the deep-rooted historical ties with Azerbaijan. Singh expressed appreciation for the opportunity to forge cooperation with Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of finding new partners, building solidarity, and promoting peaceful coexistence amid rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes.
Singh also drew parallels between the Amritsar events of June 1984 and Azerbaijan's historical memory of 'Black January'. He noted that while Azerbaijan has established its state and is preserving its language, culture, and heritage, the Sikh community continues to fight for the same goals. He remarked that the primary difference between the struggles is the duration, with the Sikh struggle having lasted longer.