08-Sep-2019
Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar stated that the Sikh community enjoyed complete freedom in Pakistan. CM Buzdar said that Sikh community, from around the world, was supporting the Pakistan’s stance on the core issue of Kashmir. He said, “The Sikh brethren have come very nearer to Pakistan and this has no resemblance in the past.”
05-Sep-2019
The day after Pakistan announced to levy USD 20 service fee for the pilgrims going to Kartarpur Sahib via under construction Kartarpur corridor, the US-based pro-Khalistani organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ) offered to reimburse the fee. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who claims to be the legal advisor of SFJ informed “People of Punjab who will visit Kartarpur Sahib between November 1 and 30 will have to submit proof of their visit to SFJ and receive USD 20 service fee reimbursement via Western Union.”
02-Sep-2019
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government would issue multiple and on-arrival visas to Sikh pilgrims coming from India and abroad and provide them maximum possible facilities during their visit to the holy sites.
28-Aug-2019
Pakistan’s Religious Tourism and Heritage Committee (RTHC) decided that Pakistan will start a month-long visa process starting September 1 for the Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries who plans to attend the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November.
26-Aug-2019
According to sources, Pakistan is now trying to incite the Sikh community living in Pakistan and elsewhere against India. A Pakistan-based Sikh leader was heard claiming in a viral video on social media that they have got a mandate from Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority in India, to support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Though no such resolution has been passed by the Akal Takht, such provocative statements are being issued to radicalise, confuse and deviate the Sikh community.
26-Aug-2019
In another attempt to woo the Sikh community, Pakistan's Punjab Province chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has called an international congregation of Sikhs on August 31.This congregation is being linked to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev but the motive behind it is to perpetuate and launch an anti-India propaganda.Pakistan Government has also announced another Sikh congregation at Nankana Sahib but the dates are yet to be announced.
26-Aug-2019
The controversial statement given by the former Pakistan army chief General Aslam Baig that Pakistan will be using the Kartarpur corridor to send jihadis into India, has once again exposed Pakistan's nefarious designs. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had also expressed apprehension that Pakistan might misuse Kartarpur corridor for anti-India activities but has not opposed the idea of the corridor due to religious and political compulsions.
23-Aug-2019
Former Pakistan Army chief Gen Mirza Aslam Beg said that the country will use Kartarpur corridor for Khalistan terror."Pakistan army and the government should create trouble for India through Khalistan movement," Mirza Aslam said. He also said that “the terror 'jihad' was the ‘only way to teach India a lesson’…. The Indian army at LoC cannot stop the jihadis. "Mirza Aslam Beg has earlier also expressed that he wants a hybrid war against India.
21-Aug-2019
The Pakistan High Commission (PHC) said that over 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims entered Pakistan on August 21 after being granted visas by Islamabad to head for the historic Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in order to begin celebrations in advance for the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and first guru of the Sikhs Guru Nanak.
21-Aug-2019
Pakistan is sticking with its plan to open the first visa-free border crossing with India to facilitate Sikh pilgrims despite brewing tensions between the two neighbours over the longstanding Kashmir dispute.Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that Pakistan was committed to open the corridor in November on the 550th birth of Baba Guru Nanak. The Shrine is located only a few kilometres from the border. The proposed corridor will allow Sikhs to visit the Shrine without a visa.
20-Aug-2019
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) reiterated that they will make all arrangements for the “sangat” (devotees) coming to Pakistan for 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak.
20-Aug-2019
An office-bearer of the ETPB, a statutory board that manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs who had migrated to India after Partition, said over phone that they will ensure the corridor, which is being constructed to give Indian devotees a visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, is completed well before November 2019.
17-Aug-2019
According to media report, no work has been carried out in the Pakistan portion of Kartarpur Corridor for six consecutive days. This has triggered speculation about Islamabad’s intent regarding the completion of the project. It also has coincided with Pakistan’s downgrading of diplomatic ties with India. Sources stated that “Earlier we had assumed that due to Eid they didn’t carry out work on August 11 and 12. Then it was Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14. But it’s surprising that no construction activity was visible on their side either on August 15 and 16.” Earlier on August 8, Pakistan had stated that ‘’Notwithstanding the latest developments, Pakistan’s Kartarpur initiative shall continue. Pakistan respects all religions and would continue the project”.
04-Aug-2019
After being removed from the PSGPC and ETPB, Pakistan’s pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla has now taken to social media to propagate misinformation campaign about Kashmir. In a two-minute video uploaded on social media, Chawla alleged “Kashmir tay jo zulm ho riha hai, usdi main apni tarfo te saari duniya day Khalisatania vallo muzammat karda han (I and the Khalisanis around the world condemn the atrocities committed in Kashmir).” Chawla circulated the video in the wake of New Delhi has called off Amarnath yatra and has issued advisory to tourists and pilgrims to leave the Kashmir valley. In his provocative video message, he also named former slain Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating that those who had committed atrocities had met their fate like her.
30-Jul-2019
Around 500 Indian Sikhs arrived in Pakistan to take part in celebrations in connection with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. According to sources, since the arrival of the Indian Sikhs was kept in a "low profile" neither the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after holy places of minorities in the country, nor the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (PSGPC) were taken on board by the Imran Khan Government regarding their arrival. The Pakistani media was also not invited to the venue to cover the arrival of the Sikh pilgrims from India. However, the Pakistan foreign office later in the day issued a statement confirming the arrival of 500 Indian Sikhs but did not tell whether they crossed over via under construction Kartarpur corridor or Wagah border.
19-Jul-2019
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) elected its new president Sardar Satwant Singh and secretary-general Sardar Ameer Singh, days after the Imran Khan Government dissolved the body following India's objection to the presence of Khalistani separatists as part of the Pakistani delegation discussing the Kartarpur Corridor.
12-Jul-2019
Ahead of the India-Pakistan talks over Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan removed the name of pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla from the committee. The development was confirmed through an official statement, which said, “The Federal Government (Federal Cabinet) has been pleased to re-constitute the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).” Gopal Singh Chawla is a close associate of Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and resides in Pakistan. He is also suspected of planning terrorist attacks in India. And even said to hold meetings with global terrorist Masood Azhar.
06-Jun-2019
Gopal Singh Chawla, the General Sectary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) raised anti-India slogans and said that he will support groups like Babbar Khalsa, Commando Force, Sikh Youth Federation, Khalistan Force and added that they are on the same platform.
15-May-2019
A group of Sikh pilgrims visiting Nankana Sahib in Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi festival demanded a separate homeland for them. ‘Khalistan Referendum 2020’ banners in this regard have been put on Gurudwara Janam Asthan also referred to as Gurudwara Nankana Sahib.
06-Dec-2018
Pro-Khalistan elements based in Pakistan stepped-up the agenda of “Referendum 2020” influencing Indian pilgrims visiting Sikh-religious sites such as Nankana Sahib, in Nankana Sahib District of Punjab in Pakistan. The Indian pilgrims who arrived on November 23 at Nankana Sahib had spotted the banners featured provocative slogans such as “Referendum 2020 will end India’s occupation of Punjab” and “Referendum 2020 is resistance against Indian occupation of Punjab”. Khalistan flags and life-size images of Sikh terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed during the 1984 Military operation in the Golden Temple in Amritsar [Punjab], were placed on several buildings. Pakistan’s Security establishment keeps very close tabs on pro-Khalistan groups and there is no way that one of such groups—Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) could have gone ahead with these pro-Khalistani activities without the support from Pakistan’s Intelligence agency—Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI], said an Indian official [identity undisclosed].
28-Nov-2018
The US based pro-Khalistan group—Sikh For Justice (SFJ) has appreciated the Kartarpur Corridor as a ‘bridge’ to the mission of Khalistan and has announced to host ‘Kartarpur Sahib Convention-2019’ in Pakistan, on November 28. SFJ runs a pro-Khalistan campaign with support from Pakistan’s ISI towards creation of a separate Sikh land from India
09-Nov-2018
Acting upon intelligence inputs, the BSF and Anti-Narcotics Cell recovered three packets of heroin weigh 4.30 kg worth INR 22 crore in the international market, from Border Outpost of Shameke of India-Pakistan Border in Ferozepur Sector of Ferozepur district in Punjab. The packets were kept inside the hollow space in a tree.
07-Jan-2018
The BSF had recovered 20 kilograms of heroin worth INR 100 crores along with the Adhain India-Pakistan border outpost in Gurdaspur District of Punjab.
20-Oct-2017
For the first time, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) general secretary Gopal Singh Chawla publicly admitted to have been part of separatist 'Khalistan movement' and have also undergone training for the purpose. A video of Chawla has surfaced on social media on October 20 where he is seen as saying "I have been a part of Khalistan movement, I have also undergone training, I have been abusing India and its prime minister, if we want to get rid of India, we have to help this organization (MML- Milli Musli League)". Chalwa is seen addressing a gathering from the platform of MML, a political wing of the banned JuD, a front of anti India LeT. PSGPC general secretary Chawla in his speech addressed in Punjabi said that PSGPC receives minimum of five to seven thousand pilgrims every year from India. "We look into their eyes , out of those seven thousand pilgrims at least two thousand are RAW [Research and Analysis Wing] agents and we see a fear of Hafiz Saeed Sahib in their eyes". PSGPC's controversial general secretary also raised slogans in praise of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwala and Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and said his organization (Punjabi Sikh Sangat) and supporters from UK and Canada would help MML. Calling terror mastermind as his 'Amir' (Ruler), Chalwa bestowed praise upon Hafiz Saeed saying that "Unha Indians dia nazra vich maray Aamir Hafiz Saeed Sab da khauf hunda hai" (There is fear of my Aamir Hafiz Saeed Sab in the eyes of those Indians)" he said.
04-Aug-2014
The investigations have revealed that activities of KZF, which is headed by Jammu’s Ranjit Singh Neeta, now based in Sialkot of Punjab province in Pakistan and KLF headed by Harminder Singh alias Mintu of Punjab, also in Pakistan, were being funded and coordinated by militant elements based in Spain and England.
25-Jan-2022
The founder of Dal Khalsa and UK-based Sikh separatist leader, Jaswant Singh Thekedar accused Pakistan of using Sikhs to fulfill its nefarious motives against India. Thekedar, who is a pro-Khalistan leader himself, said that Pakistan is least bothered about the welfare of Sikhs. In a TV interview, he said, “Pakistan has never been a sympathiser of Sikhs and will never be. They can never help Khalistanis. If Pakistan wanted to help Khalistanis, then why it did not give passports to those seeking political asylum. They don’t even have a residence permit. Pakistan is using Sikhs as props for the last 40 years to target India.” He also acknowledged the steps being taken by the BJP-led India government for the welfare of the Sikhs. He also slammed Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based member of banned pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), saying he does anything only at Pakistan’s direction. “Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is not even a Sikh, he parrots Pakistan's script. He makes statement only at the direction of Pakistan and just for money. He can never fight for Khalistan and never did in the past. His motive is to only make money and not Khalsa. He is only instigating the people of India. They get money for making statements against India and causing violence,” he added.
19-Jan-2022
The self-styled president of Khalistan, Sewa Singh Lalli welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to observe December 26 as “Veer Bal Diwas”. Lalli, in his social media post in Punjabi, said, “this government has encouraged and initiated some virtuous deeds towards Sikhism. Let’s encourage it even more. Hints are enough for the wise.” He wrote, “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomes the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, as Veer Bal Diwas in India”. “The history of Sahibzada’s unique sacrifice can now be read in government institutions and schools, colleges, educational institutions all over India. It is the duty of the responsible Sikh leaders in particular to respect this decision and to further encourage the historic decision taken in favour of Sikhism”, he added.
16-Jan-2022
According to reports, Sikh community in the United Kingdom (UK) has started to push back against the anti-India campaign led by the Khalistani elements. The leaders of the UK Sikh community, on January 16, gathered at Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha, located in Park Avenue, Southall, and passed a resolution thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for doing so much for the Sikh community and helping to bridge the misunderstandings.
31-Dec-2021
According to Pakistani newspapers, the British Sikh community held voting on the Khalistan Referendum at four locations, with thousands of people, including a 95-year-old Sikh woman, turning out to vote in the non-binding referendum on December 31. Gurdwaras Singh Sabha in Hounslow, Gurdwaras Singh Sabha in Slough, Guru Nanak Gurdwaras in Wednesfield, and Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick held Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) sponsored voting on December 31, 2021.
09-Dec-2021
The high court in England on December 9 rejected an appeal by Indian authorities seeking permission to appeal against a magistrates’ court order turning down the extradition on human rights grounds of Kuldeep Singh alias Keepa Sidhu (44), wanted in India as an alleged senior member of the banned terrorist organisation Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Singh, is charged with conspiring with others to commit terror activities in Punjab dating back to 2015-16, including a plot to assassinate then chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. Singh is also accused of recruiting youths in Punjab to the banned KZF organisation by offering them money and organising a meeting of separatists in a gurdwara.
31-Oct-2021
According to reports, the Khalistan referendum, which was held in London on October 31, turned out to be a damp squib. According to UK watchers, the claims of high turnout in the voting to decide whether Khalistan should be carved out of Punjab is being projected by Pakistani media. A majority of the voters were backed by Pakistan, the sources said, adding that the total number was less than 2,000. The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which organised the referendum, failed to get even 100-150 voters in the first half and various outfits associated with the Khalistan movement - like Federation of Sikh organization (FSO) and World Sikh Parliament (WSP) - pressed their workers to come and vote, said UK watchers. The organisers had pressed into service buses to ferry people from different parts of the UK, but even they could not bring a large number of people, said the source.
06-Jun-2021
According to reports, two Indian flags were set on fire and stamped on during a remembrance march and "freedom rally" by some Khalistani supporters in London, United Kingdom, held to mark the anniversary of 1984 Operation Blue Star. The report quoted the Indian High Commission in London as saying that it was "extremely concerned and distressed" by what happened and vowed it would take action against those who desecrated the national flag. The incident reportedly took place at Trafalgar Square and some bystanders shouted "Khalistan Zindabad". Pro-Khalistani British Sikhs marched in London city, which started from Wellington Arch, led by the Panj Pyare, the five beloveds with their swords drawn, passed through the iconic route of the Constitution Hill and The Mall to Trafalgar Square. Addressing the march, the Sikh leaders said the events of 1984 took place 37 years after India gained independence in 1947, but the horror memories of those events would live forever in the minds of millions of Sikhs around the world, who feel deeply aggrieved at the Indian atrocities during the genocide carried out by the Indian Army.
25-Nov-2020
The banned secessionist organization – Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to organise a “global referendum” from the United Kingdom (UK) on August 15, 2021. SFJ’s chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun circulated the anti-India message on some specific internet platforms regarding the move. The message was followed by a short video shot by Pannun who claimed to leave SFJ’s mark in the national capital on November 25 by raising pro-Khalistan slogans. In the header of the video message, the SFJ mentioned, “Khalistan slogans at Delhi Metro and Khalistan flag raised at Yamuna Bridge Crossing.” Also, the message further claimed “the supporters of secessionist group SFJ have left their mark in the Indian capital by writing Khalistan slogans at Delhi Metro and also a flag has been raised at the Yamuna bridge crossing. Khalistan flag at Yamuna crossing is message to Modi government about the boundaries of independent Punjab for which SFJ is organising global referendum starting from London on 15th August 2021.” However, the security agencies refuted any such activity in the national capital and are keeping a strict vigil in the suspected areas across the capital city to avoid any untoward activity.
19-Aug-2020
India refuted as absolutely untrue allegations that a British Sikh man arrested on charges relating to terrorism is being tortured in Tihar Jail in New Delhi after group of demonstrators staged a protest outside 10 Downing Street in London. The Indian High Commission in London in a statement said, Jagtar Singh Johal has been arrested on serious charges relating to terrorism. It is untrue that he is being held without any charges. The prosecuting agency, NIA (National Investigation Agency), has already filed charge sheet in the court of law and he is presently undergoing judicial proceedings as per the law of the land. It is absolutely untrue that he has been subjected to torture. He has been granted consular access several times to the UK High Commission in New Delhi. Further, institutional safeguards like the Human Rights Commission exist to investigate any such allegation, it said. Earlier, the protesters waved placards and made speeches to protest British national Jagtar Singh Johal's detention in India for 1,020 days. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, handed in a letter for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking his intervention over the alleged third-degree torture and mistreatment and lack of charges against his younger brother in India. Johal, a 33-year-old Scottish-born Sikh, was in Jalandhar with his family for his wedding in October 2017 when he was arrested by police in the city.
15-Aug-2020
British Pakistani and Kashmiri community held a demonstration outside Indian High Commission London on August 15 afternoon to mark India’s Independence Day as ‘Black day’ which was also joined by Indian Sikh community. The participants carried flags of Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khalistan.
13-Aug-2020
The new Indian High Commissioner, Gaitri Issar Kumar, said that New Delhi will take all measures at its disposal to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. She said in an interview that “the people of Punjab and the Government of India have worked together over the years to successfully root out the Khalistan ‘movement’ — extremist entities associated with Khalistan terrorism — in the early 90s in India. We are aware that many of these terrorist entities connected with the Khalistan movement continue their activities based in the UK and other western countries, where they had fled to. It is well known that they operate in close cooperation with Pakistan-backed perpetrators of terror to create instability in J&K and other parts of India.” “Our government has a number of institutional mechanisms for sharing relevant information on all these organisations with the UK, including regular dialogue and robust cooperation in a variety of areas related to our convergent security and defence interests.” She added that “We appreciate the position taken by the UK government on the Khalistan issue — that they see Punjab as an integral part of India.” “As for ‘Sikhs for Justice’, its supporters must be aware of this organisation’s involvement in serious terror-related and other illegal activities for which many are wanted in India. My government has officially sought the proscription of the terror entity ‘Sikhs for Justice’ in the UK”, she said.
12-Aug-2020
Businessman and chairman of British Sikh Association, Lord Rami Ranger said that British Prime Minister has assured him that the British Government does not support Khalistan movement in the UK or any activity against India. Lord Ranger said that, “I informed Prime Minister Johnson that there are some separatist organisations working for Khalistan and they want to separate Punjab, the Indian side of Punjab from India. Prime Minister categorically assured me that the British Government does not support such organisations or anything against India.” Recently, Lord Ranger was criticised for his tweet asserting the Prime Minister’s support. Preeti Gill, member of Parliament Labour party, had replied to the post, saying, “The principle of self-determination is prominently embodied in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations. It is positioned as the first right in the twin Human Rights Covenants-the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and (ICESCR). Most concerning.” Mentioning the fiery twitter interaction with Preet Gill, Lord Ranger said, “You don’t get self-determination on Twitter sitting 5000 miles away. You have to go and fight your cause with the people and test your popularity.” He further called out the organisations and people pushing for Khalistan, to renounce their British Passports, go to India, form a political party and do something “worthwhile” if they really believe in it.
10-Aug-2020
Indian Diaspora in UK has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stop any protests by Pakistan and its supported Khalistani supporters near the High Commission of India building in London on August 15, the day Indians celebrate India's Independence Day. "August 15 is a National Day celebrated by Indians and across the world by Indian diaspora. It is the day when the first foundation stone was laid to form the union of states and a vibrant democratic country by gaining Independence. This day is a joyous movement for all Indians/ British Indians settled in the UK too", said the letter submitted to PM. The letter added, "However, Pakistan and Pakistan supported violent Khalistan groups have been a hindrance to our celebrations by creating unrest and violently attacking celebrators at the High Commission of India, London in recent years. This pattern is observed more in recent years and every year the violence has gone a step further". The Indian Diaspora added, "We would like to mention the violent attacks by sharp weapons on police personnel too apart from Indians gathered to celebrate last year (2019). British government and local administration allowing Pakistan and Pakistan support Khalistan groups to carry out violent protests has deeply hurt Indian Diaspora".
09-Aug-2020
The Sikh Federation UK has taken great exception to Lord Raminder Ranger’s comment over Khalistan, stressing that self-determination is a basic human right enshrined in international law and Article 1 of UN Charter. The Sikh Federation intervened after a row broke out on social media between Shadow International Development Secretary Preet Kaul Gill MP and Conservative Party’s Lord Raminder Ranger.
07-Aug-2020
The British Sikh Association defied the Sikh Federation UK for its demand for an independent state for the Sikhs after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that his government does not support the Khalistan movement. A British businessman Lord Raminder (Rami) Ranger tweeted, "Today, I spoke with the British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Boris Johnson who categorically assured me that British government does not support the Khalistan movement. Thank you, Prime Minister." His comment was countered by Labour Party MP for Birmingham Preet Kaur Gill, who said, "The principle of self-determination is prominently embodied in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations. It is positioned as the first right in the twin Human Rights Covenants -- the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and (ICESCR). Most concerning." Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, a journalist based in London said, "This (Khalistan) is (a) fake idea. There is no one in India demanding Khalistan in India. Indian Sikhs know that India is for them and they are for India." However, the Sikh Federation UK, which is allegedly working on the behest of Pakistan's secret agency, supported Preet Kaur Gill saying that "Sikhs have a legal and historical right to their own homeland, the British signed treaties with the Sikh Kingdom which are valid today. The betrayal of the British and Gandhi/Nehru Congress in 1947 is the reason for ongoing Sikh revolutionary movements. They won't stop until freedom."
01-Aug-2020
After the British government dismissed its referendum 2020, the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) stated that, “One we establish consensus on the question of independence, we will then present the case to the United Nations for re-establishing the country of Punjab. Punjab Referendum 2020 is an unofficial referendum where the outcome is not legally binding on India. Yet with an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote this unofficial referendum will start the process through which we will eventually conduct an official legally binding referendum in Punjab, thereby peacefully establishing Khalistan.” “Today UK believes in India’s territorial integrity but tomorrow when they will see an overwhelming Sikhs supporting the independence of Punjab, I am sure they will reconsider the position,” it added.
30-Jul-2020
The British government rejected the Khalistani extremist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)'s Referendum 2020 which seeks the separation of Punjab from rest of India saying that it considers Punjab as part of India. A British High Commission spokesperson said, “This is a matter for the government and people of India, not foreign countries or overseas organisations. While we support the right of anyone to voice their opinion, the UK government is not involved in any way with this unofficial and non-binding referendum," he said, adding, "We consider the Indian Punjab to be a part of India.” The development comes, days after Canada dismissed support for Khalistani separatism.
29-Jun-2020
The Sikh Federation UK (SFUK) is celebrating a ‘victory’ in its campaign to get a Sikh ethnic tick-box added to the 2021 UK census after Scottish ministers agreed to put a prompt for Sikhs in the ‘other’ part of the ethnicity response options. They also assured to ‘monitor Sikhs as an ethnic group as well as religion’ going forwards.
09-Jun-2020
According to media reports, Khalistani organizations have not only increased significantly in the UK recently, but they have also emerged as a profitable business venture for those who do not have any other source to earn a living. Most of these organizations have joined hands with umbrella organizations of Federation of Sikh Organizations (FSO), Sikh Council UK (SCUK) or World Sikh Parliament (WSP) to remain in the limelight, report said. Though these organizations may not have the support of most of the Sikh population in the UK, they keep on competing among each other to wrest the control of the management of Gurudwaras in the UK. An officer working in a security establishment said that "It serves them multiple purposes like easy funding in name of sewa and charity, captive audience to listen to their propaganda from the stage, availability of ready-made venues for various meetings and events and the garb of a charitable organization to carry out their ulterior tasks." "Once established, these organizations diversify into media, university unions and politics, to create a larger base for Khalistan cause,” another officer said. "And for the survival of these few individuals and Gurudwaras, the need to keep Khalistan alive is essential for their own benefits. Midland Langar Seva, Sikh2inspire, British Organisation of Sikh Students are few of the benign forms that these tendencies have brought forward and are actively engaged in attracting youth to their perception of Sikh values," the official said.
07-Jun-2020
A UK-based prominent member of the Sikh Community, Navdeep Singh challenged Akal Takht Jathedar’s recent assertion that "it is ready to accept the sovereign state of Khalistan if the Indian government makes such an offer". Navdeep Singh, in an open letter to Giani Harpreet Singh, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht asserted that not even one-fourth members of the community favour Khalistan. “We Sikhs have seen much at the time of Partition to know what it does with a nation and its people. There are many of us who’s ancestral homes, their memories of childhood, the place they were born, now lies in Pakistan. We still remember the painful memories of 1947. So, we would never want another such event to happen in our lifetime or with our future generations,” Singh wrote in his letter.
07-Jun-2020
A few members of the Sikh community marched from the Hyde Park in the British capital to Trafalgar Square to commemorate the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. This year, however, the coronavirus pandemic and its related restrictions prevented a mass gathering. The organisers said they had, therefore, closely liaised with the authorities and agreed on a much smaller event for June 7, with social distancing and everyone's safety in mind.
05-Jun-2020
The UK’s first turbaned Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) and the Labour Party politician, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi called for an independent inquiry into the extent of the involvement of the then Margaret Thatcher led British government in the Operation Blue Star in June 1984. While raising the issue in the House of Commons to mark 36 years of operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, also called for a debate on the issue.
02-Jun-2020
The largest Gurudwara in the UK, Guru Sri Singh Sabha, located at Havelock Road in Southhall recently put up a picture of slain Khalistani terrorist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale along with the picture of Guru Arjan Dev, who was the fifth guru of Sikhs. Some Sikhs wearing jackets with Khalistan logo were also seen in the premises of the Gurudwara giving out food packets to those in need in this period of Covid-19. Calling these elements terrorists, Lord Ranger, the Chairman of British Sikh Council said, “I will be taking up the matter to the highest level.”
29-May-2020
The pro-Khalistani group, World Sikh Parliament (WSP) condemned the recent attack on Derby Gurdwara in UK carried out by a Pakistani origin Muslim man, identified as Mohammed Ibrar on May 25.
27-May-2020
According to reports, Derby Police will look into possible terrorism links as part of their wider investigation into the attack on Guru Arjan Dev Gurudwara Derby, UK.