KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
13-Jan-2024
According to reports, British Sikh activist Kaldip Singh Lehal alias Deepa Singh, was detained at Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom (UK), under Section 7 of the Terrorism Act on December 25, 2023. He claimed that he was targeted for his activism. Singh, who had previously faced home raids in 2018, alleged the suppression of voices critical of UK-India collusion in Sikh repression. Counter Terrorism Policing South East confirmed the stop but didn't disclose details or confirm Singh's identity.
04-Jan-2024
United Kingdom (UK) Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi hosted a meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Iqwinder Singh Gaheer, in Slough, UK. Discussions covered various aspects of international politics, global Sikh concerns, and opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties. Both MPs emphasized the importance of cross-border dialogue, committing to ongoing constructive engagements for the betterment of their communities and fostering stronger ties between Canada and the UK.
03-Jan-2024
According to sources, Neil O’Brien, a Senior Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) representing Harborough and a former minister, has written to the United Kingdom (UK) Home Secretary James Cleverly expressing concern over the death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda in Birmingham in 2023. O'Brien questions the lack of a thorough investigation by West Midlands police, despite initial claims of an inquiry.
20-Dec-2023
The family of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda urged the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office to appoint an independent police force to investigate his sudden death in June which coincided with Sikh separatist incidents in Canada and the United States (US), as revealed by Khanda’s family lawyer, Michael Polak. According to Polak, questions about the West Midlands police's handling of the case have arisen, leading the family to request the involvement of another police force.
15-Dec-2023
According to a report published on December 15 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the 2021 census for England and Wales in the United Kingdom (UK), nearly 1 lakh respondents identified as Sikh in the "ethnicity" category instead of choosing "British Indian." Of the total, 18.6% identified as Sikh through both the ethnic and religion questions, 0.3% through only the ethnic question, and 81.1% through the voluntary religion question. The total number of Sikhs in England and Wales increased by 22% from the 2011 census, reaching 5.25 lakh, with concerns raised about the accuracy of the count by the Sikh Federation UK.
08-Dec-2023
On December 8, a 34-year-old man of Punjab origin, Joshpal Singh Kothiria, who was part of a four-member drug smuggling gang, was sentenced to three years in prison in the United Kingdom (UK). The Wolverhampton Crown Court in Wolverhampton, UK, convicted him of conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis from the Netherlands to the UK and Ireland. The gang, busted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), included Anthony Terry, who organized the drug importation, leading to the seizure of GBP 1.6 million worth of cocaine in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in February 2021.
04-Dec-2023
A 58-year-old Sikh man, Inderjit Singh, was assaulted on December 4 in a hate crime by a group of teenage boys in Slough, United Kingdom (UK). The incident occurred in Langley Memorial Park, where Singh was kicked, pulled to the ground, and his beard was attempted to be grabbed by offenders aged 13-16. Singh sustained three broken ribs and injuries to his hand. The Thames Valley Police are treating the case as a hate crime and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
04-Dec-2023
According to a report by the United Kingdom (UK) daily The Guardian released on December 4, Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, who was based in the UK, claimed harassment by Indian police and threats to his family in Punjab before his sudden death in June. The report indicates that Khanda's associates suspected foul play in his death, suggesting poisoning. The Guardian's investigation questions the West Midlands police's initial statement, highlighting alleged lapses in the probe.
26-Nov-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak on November 26 extended Guru Nanak Jayanti wishes, acknowledging his personal connection to the occasion as someone with Punjabi roots. Sunak praised the significant contributions of the Sikh community to the UK, expressing pride and inspiration. Born to a Hindu Punjabi family with ties to Ludhiana and pre-Partition Gujranwala, Sunak emphasized the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 554th birth anniversary.
19-Nov-2023
Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi recently received death threats after abstaining from voting on a resolution regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict in the United Kingdom (UK). One person has been arrested in connection with the death threats.
17-Nov-2023
The Metropolitan Police on November 17 arrested four British Sikh men, identified as Amandeep Singh, Manjit Singh, Ajmeer Singh, and Poran Singh in connection with the murder of British Sikh teenager Simarjeet Singh Nangpal in London, United Kingdom (UK). They are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on November 18.
16-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on November 16 delivered a stern warning to the United Kingdom (UK) government at a press conference held at the High Commission of India in London, UK. He cautioned against the misuse of freedom of expression by Khalistani extremists to threaten diplomatic missions, specifically referencing incidents involving the Indian High Commission.
15-Nov-2023
A 17-year-old British Sikh teenager, identified as Simarjeet Singh Nangpal, was stabbed to death in a street fight near the Hounslow area of London in the United Kingdom (UK) on November 15. In connection with the murder, four individuals aged 21, 27, 31, and 71 have been arrested. To address community concerns, there is a heightened police presence in the area.
15-Nov-2023
During the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar to the United Kingdom (UK), which concluded on November 15, Jaishankar raised India's concerns about the misuse of freedom of expression by those propagating Khalistan in meetings with UK officials. The visit emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns while strengthening bilateral ties and touched upon various global and regional issues, including ongoing free trade agreement negotiations and cricket diplomacy.
15-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on November 15 stated that India is open to an investigation but urged Canada to provide evidence supporting its allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, during a conversation with veteran journalist Lionel Barber titled 'How a Billion People See the World' in London, United Kingdom (UK). Jaishankar emphasized that Canada has not shared any evidence to date.
11-Nov-2023
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on November 11 embarked on a five-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to review bilateral ties, including preparations for a potential visit to India by British Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak. The countries share a growing partnership, highlighted by the 2021 launch of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership and the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
07-Nov-2023
Top lawyers in the United Kingdom (UK) have urged Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad to retract his statement that British Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal, detained in India since 2017 on terror charges, would receive 'due process' in the Indian legal system. They express concerns over the lack of due process, citing allegations of torture and politically motivated charges. Johal faces a potential death penalty and has been held without credible evidence, prompting calls for his immediate release by more than 70 MPs, while the UK government continues to provide consular assistance and raise his case with the Indian government.
06-Nov-2023
A British Sikh man, Jatinder Singh, who claimed he was barred from jury duty in Birmingham Crown Court due to carrying a kirpan, has been invited by authorities to discuss the matter in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK). The incident sparked concern and led to an apology from the Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). British Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill expressed deep concern about the incident, highlighting the need for clearer communication of guidelines to prevent discrimination against individuals based on their religious practices in jury service.
05-Nov-2023
Akaal Clothing, a pro-Khalistani clothing line that previously launched a hoodie depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, announced on November 5, in a post on Instagram, that they have cancelled all orders for the controversial item. The hoodie gained attention when Canadian pro-Khalistani singer Shubh held it during a concert in London, United Kingdom (UK), sparking backlash and criticism on social media. The clothing line cited 'unforeseen circumstances' and increased scrutiny as reasons for the cancellation, stating that they would issue full refunds.
03-Nov-2023
Birmingham Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Kaur Gill has written to the Justice Secretary, bringing attention to the case of Jatinder Singh, a Sikh who claimed he was barred from a court during jury service for wearing a kirpan, a religious article central to his faith. Singh was denied entry due to the size of his kirpan, despite it being within legal limits. MP Gill emphasized the importance of protecting and respecting Sikhs' rights and religious freedoms. She called for clear communication of guidelines regarding kirpans to ensure inclusivity and the ability to perform civic duties without compromising religious beliefs. The Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) issued an apology to Mr. Singh following the incident.