Sushma Swaraj seeks report from Indian High Commission in Pakistan over killing of Sikh community leader Charanjeet Singh
New Delhi, May 31: External Affairs Minister taking an immediate cognizance in the killing of Sikh community leader and human rights activist Charanjeet Singh in Pakistan on Wednesday sought a detailed report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad.
Sukhbir Singh Badal who is a President of Shiromani Akali Dal on Wednesday expressed his grief on the killing of prominent human rights activist Charanjeet Singh via twitter post and said, “Shocked to know about the killing of Sikh peace leader Charanjeet Singh by unidentified assailants in Pakistan. My sympathy towards the grief stricken family.”
In another tweet taking up a matter to MEA, he said, “Being a minority community, the Sikhs have always been facing discrimination in Pakistan. I request the Union External Affair Minister Smt. @SushmaSwaraj ji to take up the issue with her Pakistan counterpart to ensure safety and security of the Sikhs in Pakistan.”
Sushma Swaraj wasting no time immediately dialed to Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad and sought a detailed report of the unfortunate incident. Sushma Swaraj replied to Sukhbir Singh Badal on twitter saying, “Sukhbir ji : I fully share your concern. I have already asked for a report from our High Commissioner in Islamabad. I will revert on this.”
On Tuesday, a prominent Sikh community leader and human rights activist Charanjeet Singh was shot dead by unknown assailants in Pakistan’s Peshawar. According to the Pakistani media channels, the unfortunate incident took place at Scheme Chowk, Budhbir area of Peshawar, when Charanjeet Singh was sitting in his shop. However, the bike-borne assailants fled immediately.
The exact intention behind killing Charanjeet Singh is still unknown. While other Sikh community leaders and political leaders suspect Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) involvement in Charanjeet Singh’s assassination. Meanwhile, Peshawar police have launched an investigation after lodging a case at Inqalab Police Station.
BACKGROUND:
Charanjeet Singh moved to Peshawar nearly 20 years back with his family and was a respected leader in the region. He was known for promoting religious harmony and discouraging violence.