Sikh groups protest outside Modi's address at SAP Centre

SAN JOSE: Supporters of a separatist Sikh organisation today held a peaceful protest rally and even hired a helicopter to fly a banner outside the venue where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora.

Several hundred Sikh for Justice (SFJ) supporters with anti-Modi and anti-India placards and banners were standing outside the SAP Centre where more than 18,000 people waited for hours to listen to the speech of the Prime Minister.

Many of the protesters were displaying posters of Khalistan and seeking a referendum in the year 2020. They hired a helicopter to fly one of such protest banners.

Members of the Alliance for Justice and Accountability also held a separate peaceful protest rally against the venue alleging that the human rights conditions under the Modi regime has deteriorated.