Modi has done more than his predecessors for Sikhs: Union Minister Puri
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done more for the Sikh community than any previous leader. He highlighted several key decisions that addressed long-standing concerns and honored Sikh heritage.
Puri, one of the senior Sikh voices in the BJP, listed various reforms and symbolic actions taken during Modi’s tenure. These include justice for the 1984 riot victims, religious access to historic shrines, and better inclusion for Sikhs in national policies.
Kartarpur Corridor: A Spiritual Lifeline Reopened
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor stands out as a major achievement. It connects Dera Baba Nanak in India with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. For decades, Sikhs could only view it from across the border.
In 2019, PM Modi inaugurated the corridor. Pilgrims from India can now visit the holy site without a visa. Puri called it a “spiritual lifeline” and said earlier governments had ignored this demand for over 70 years.
Delivering Justice for 1984 Riot Victims
Puri emphasized the Modi government’s steps to deliver long-awaited justice. Investigations reopened under Modi’s leadership led to the conviction of several high-profile accused. Victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots also received ₹5 lakh as compensation.
For decades, survivors and their families had waited for recognition and closure. Puri said the current administration finally acted where others had failed.
Ending the Sikh “Blacklist”
The government also removed thousands of names from the secretive Sikh “blacklist.” This list, created after Operation Blue Star and Indira Gandhi’s assassination, had blocked many Sikh diaspora members from visiting India.
Puri noted that families separated for decades were finally reunited. The move restored the rights and dignity of overseas Sikhs who had lived under suspicion without formal charges.
Saving Sacred Sikh Manuscripts
In 2021, the Taliban’s return to power put rare Sikh religious texts in danger. Three handwritten copies of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji were stranded in Afghanistan. The Indian government coordinated their safe return.
Puri said the effort showed not only diplomatic skill but also deep respect for Sikh tradition. The sacred texts now rest safely in India, where devotees can view and protect them.
Veer Bal Diwas: Honoring Sikh Courage
In December 2022, the Modi government declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas. The day honors Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who chose martyrdom over forced conversion.
Many Sikh families viewed the move as a long-overdue tribute. Puri stated it was a clear sign of how seriously the government values Sikh history and sacrifice.
Citizenship Support for Persecuted Sikhs
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) drew mixed responses across India. But for Sikh refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, it offered relief and legal status.
Several displaced families gained Indian citizenship and access to government resources. Puri described this as a moral duty fulfilled by the Modi administration.
Empowering Sikhs in Jammu & Kashmir
After the abrogation of Article 370, Sikhs in Jammu & Kashmir received equal access to constitutional rights. They could now benefit from job reservations, political participation, and land ownership.
Puri explained that these rights had been denied under special state laws. By changing this, the government ended years of unequal treatment.
Community Response: Hopeful, Yet Watchful
Many Sikh religious bodies and leaders welcomed the steps taken by Modi’s government. However, some asked for more dialogue and transparency in future decisions.
Groups like the SGPC urged the government to involve Sikh institutions when dealing with religious or heritage issues. While pleased with progress, they remain cautious about political symbolism.
Moving Forward with Trust
With elections approaching, BJP leaders are expected to deepen their engagement with the Sikh community. Modi’s record on Sikh issues — from justice to heritage — may help shift support in Punjab and among diaspora voters.
Puri summed up the government’s approach by saying, “We don’t do tokenism. PM Modi’s actions reflect genuine respect and responsibility toward the Sikh community.”
