Makkar’s SGPC Criticizes Indian Govt For Not Including Sikh Regiment In Republic Day Parades

AMRITSAR SAHIB : The SGPC has criticized the central government for showing partiality and not including the Sikh regiment during Republic Day Parades on January 26. It is notable that the French President Francois Hollande was especially invited by the Indian government on this occasion. Speaking in public over the non-inclusion of the Sikh regiment in Republic Day Parade, SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar said that the current approach of Indian government has disappointed the Sikh community. He added that the Union government has tried to oppress the identity of Sikhs at a time when the whole Sikh community was trying to apprise French President Francois Hollande about the importance of the turban for the Sikhs. SGPC Chief has announced to take up the matter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SGPC makes this statement whilst thus far, making no approach to the French Prime Minister, despite having ample opportunity to do so.Citing the event of last year’s Republic Day Parade, SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar said that the American President Barack Obama had conferred ‘Best Marching Contingents Award’ to the Sikh Regiment along with Brigade of Guard Regiment.He added that the Sikhs have contributed to a major proportion for the freedom of India. Referring to statistics of the British government, he informed that 93 out of total 121 hanged by British government were Sikhs. Similarly, 2147 out of a total of 2646 life imprisonment sentences were Sikhs.