KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-May-2023
Anti-Khalistani and social groups accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of eliminating non-profitable Indian fugitives and replacing them with younger leaders in a bid to revive Khalistani separatism. The killing of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar is seen as a result of this policy shift. The new face of Khalistan is 30-year-old Amritpal Singh, while three other Khalistani leaders, Lakhbir Singh Rode, Wadhawa Singh, and Gajinder Singh, who were living under the ISI's protection, have now increased their personal security fearing they could be targeted. Social groups are protesting outside the Pakistan Embassy on May 12.
10-May-2023
According to report, retired Pakistani military officers, Major Adil Raja and Colonel Akbar Hussain, alleged that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operates a smuggling network involving high-ranking army officers that fuels the Khalistan movement and narco-terrorism. The report claims that the ISI exploited Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar to operate drug cartels and target Punjab's youth. The ISI allegedly raised funds under the guise of black operations and utilised them to finance smuggling and contraband networks. The report also alleges that the Pakistani army used actresses as honey traps.
10-May-2023
The funeral of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar was held in Lahore in Pakistan. Meanwhile, several Sikh organizations in Punjab and overseas planned to hold prayers for him on May 15.
07-May-2023
According to reports, Pakistan has been reluctant to grant visas to slain Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar's sons, settled in Germany, to attend their father's last rites. The Pakistani media has reported his death as a routine killing of a Sikh. Panjwar was involved in drug and weapons smuggling and accused of various crimes, including killing 18 students in Patiala. The killing is the latest instance of terror kingpins being targeted outside India.
06-May-2023
The wanted Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), Paramjit Singh Panjwar, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Lahore in Pakistan on May 6. According to sources, Panjwar was gunned down in the morning by two motorcycle-borne men near his residence in Lahore. He was involved in drug and weapons smuggling and was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020. Panjwar, who was the chief of the separatist group Khalistan Commando Force (KCF-Panjwar group), was accused by the Indian government of various illegal activities including arranging arms training, promoting drug trade, smuggling fake Indian currency notes, inciting minorities against the government, and attempting to reactivate former militants, sleeper cells, and those on bail to form a nexus with other forces hostile to India. The KCF was listed as a terrorist organization under the UAPA.
06-May-2023
According to reports, the killing of Paramjit Singh Panjwar alias Sardar Singh Malik, the longest serving head of the banned terrorist organisation Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) could have been a result of inter-gang rivalry or a dispute with other terrorist organizations. Panjwar is the second notorious terrorist killed recently in Pakistan. Earlier in January 2020, Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD, who headed the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) was also killed.
05-May-2023
According to reports, religious minorities in Pakistan are facing targeted attacks and persecution, with hardly a day passing without an attack. Law enforcement agencies have failed to apprehend the perpetrators of these murders, leaving minorities feeling frustrated and helpless. Pakistan has been designated a "country of particular concern" under the Religious Freedom Act for its flagrant violations, and local law enforcement has failed to protect religious minorities and individuals accused of blasphemy.
15-Apr-2023
During the Baisakhi occasion at Sri Panja Sahib near Rawalpindi, Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader based in Pakistan, addressed Indian Sikhs and encouraged them to demand Khalistan. He reportedly compelled the audience to chant "Khalistan Zindabad" and stated that despite being a part of the Shiromani Committee and Delhi Committee, they were still Sikhs and could not openly raise their voices. He expressed a desire for their own country and declared that anyone who is a Guru's Sikh would support his call for ‘Khalistan Zindabad.’
13-Apr-2023
Reports indicate that Khalistani accounts and websites based in Pakistan are spreading false information about the Indian Army in relation to the firing incident at Bathinda military station.
22-Mar-2023
According to reports, Pakistan has commenced a campaign to promote abandoned sacred sites of Sikh and Hindu heritage by renovating them, with the goal of drawing in pilgrims from India and other nations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) stated that it has devised a comprehensive strategy to refurbish, maintain, and preserve the Sikh and Hindu religious sites located within Pakistan. As part of this initiative, the ETPB has initiated restoration work at the Prahladpuri Temple, which is situated in the city of Multan in the Punjab province.
10-Mar-2023
The Pakistani government has permitted the publication of religious books for students from Sikh and Christian minority communities under the supervision of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (PMTA). Anjum James Paul, the chairman of (PMTA), said that it will help minority students to learn about their religion in schools. However, minority groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, Parsees, Kalash, and Baha’is, are still not permitted to print their religious textbooks in Pakistan.
01-Mar-2023
According to a Pakistan government notification released on March 1, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as the Ambassador-at-Large for Kartarpur Corridor as part of efforts to draw Sikh pilgrims from all over the world.
24-Feb-2023
The Pakistani media on February 24 highlighted how supporters of pro-Khalistan Sikh leader Amritpal Singh 'staged a large demonstration in Amritsar on February 23 and put the Indian Punjab Police on the back foot'. Also, it mentioned, "the demand for Khalistan by Sikhs in Indian Punjab is gathering pace."
25-Jan-2023
According to reports in Pakistan, the gold-plated kalash that used to rest atop the dome of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) installed at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartapur Sahib, in Pakistan, has gone missing, leading to suspicion that it had been stolen from the Sikh shrine.
11-Jan-2023
Pakistan government has appointed a senior officer of its intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Project Management Unit (PMU) that manages the affairs of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on the Pakistan side of Kartarpur Corridor. According to highly placed sources, the Deputy Secretary (Administration), Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had on January 11 issued a notification number 212 for the appointment of Muhammad Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, Deputy Director General, Directorate General ISI as CEO, PMU, Kartapur Sahib for a period of three years. The appointment of an ISI officer as well as a non-Sikh as head of PMU is being criticized by the international Sikh community who are of the view that a non-Sikh couldn’t take ‘correct’ decisions with regards to the religious affairs of Sikhs besides being an official of ISI, he could use the platform of PMU to further anti-India agenda.
04-Nov-2022
According to reports, Pakistan issued visas to nearly 3,000 Indian pilgrims under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974 to participate in celebrations in several cities in the bordering nation on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak from November 6-15.
01-Nov-2022
According to intelligence sources, pro-Khalistan terrorist groups have infiltrated gurudwaras in Pakistan’s Lahore under a “new game plan” by Pakistan in a bid to promote extremism in the Indian Sikh community against Hindus and the Indian government. The intelligence inputs said that the alleged hijacker of the Srinagar-Lahore flight in 1984 was seen meeting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh in Panja Sahib Gurdwara in Lahore. Pakistan’s game plan as such is to keep Khalistani extremists in gurudwaras in Lahore so that they can “radicalize” Sikh devotees, sources said. Intelligence sources further said the alleged flight hijacker Ravinder Singh Pinka and his associates were meeting Sikh devotees from India, who have gone to Pakistan to observe the 100th anniversary of Saka Panja Sahib. Pinka deliberately clicked a photo with Giani Harpreet Singh. Later, however, when officials of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) were informed about Pinka, the video was immediately taken down from the SGPC website. Sources also said the Jathedar belonged to the entire community and nobody was prohibited from meeting him, and that Giani Harpreet Singh might not even know or recognize Pinka.
31-May-2022
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has strongly condemned the murders and said in a statement that, "This is not the first time that the Sikh community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (KP) has been targeted and we demand that the KP police identify and arrest the perpetrators promptly." The brutal incident took place on May 15, in which two Sikh traders--Kuljeet and Ranjit Singh got killed on the outskirts of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. This was the 'twelfth' such incident since 2014 when Sikhs were targeted by extremists in KP province alone.
10-Apr-2022
According to Pakistani media report, a life-size statue of the first ruler of the Sikh Empire Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been restored and is soon expected to be reinstalled at a safer place at Lahore Fort, months after it was last vandalised by an activist of a banned Islamist party.
08-Apr-2022
In a bid to facilitate a number of Sikh pilgrims arriving in Lahore from India via Wagah, the Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to run nine special trains. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) said that as many as 2,500 Sikh pilgrims will enter Pakistan on foot via the Wagah border to attend the Vaisakhi festival. Some pilgrims will also reach Pakistan from the UK and Canada too. At Wagah, the ETPB officers and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) office bearers will welcome the pilgrims.
07-Apr-2022
The Pakistan High Commission has issued over 2,200 visas to Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi on April 14.
01-Mar-2022
According to reports, Pakistani authorities have set up a joint committee to decide on the handing over of an over 100-year-old gurudwara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) for its restoration and proper preservation. Officials said that the team constituted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would visit Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurudwara in Mansehra district before finalising its report and submitting it to the authorities.
04-Feb-2022
The Sikh community around the world condemned Pakistan for removing the statue of great Sikh general Hari Singh Nalwa in Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
30-Jan-2022
According to sources, the Pakistan government has taken various measures to motivate the devotees from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Corridor, in large numbers even as the Project Management Unit (PMU), an exclusive department created under Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for the management of Kartarpur Corridor is striving hard given the sinking economy of Pakistan.
13-Jan-2022
In a video, Sikh For Justice (SFJ)'s chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said that the group has written to Imran Khan to support the Khalistan Referendum. In this video, Pannun is openly reaching out to Khan and has urged the Pakistani government to "diplomatically intervene" to support the Khalistan Referendum. In addition, he said, "SFJ has written a letter to Imran Khan and the message is to the people of Pakistan. Fall of Dhaka is past and we're asking PM Imran Khan to diplomatically intervene and support the Khalistan referendum. It will lead to fall of Delhi. Indira Gandhi had supported the Bangladesh war and Bangladesh was lost. It’s time for a payback in the same way. Khalistan Referendum will liberate Punjab from the Indian occupation." "Now is the time that India should be balkanized into small parts. You are raising the issue of Kashmir and its time to support Khalistan Referendum and Sikhs. Join hands with us and we're seeking diplomatic intervention," Pannun goes on to say in the video.
12-Jan-2022
According to reports, the Pakistani media is now openly backing the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). An article in Radio Pakistan, published on January 12, has claimed that "India has launched a massive propaganda to malign the Sikhs for Justice". It further states that India is trying to get the SFJ banned in the United States. It added that India has also arrested Jaswinder Singh Multani, a member of the SFJ for his involvement in the recent Ludhiana court blast. The editorial claims that the United States administration has refused to accept India's attempts "of labeling the Khalistan movement as terrorism". Moreover, it also claims that other countries like United Kingdom, United States and Canada continued to allow SFJ and its referendum activities as an "expression of political opinion under the freedom of expression".
16-Jun-2021
Pakistan, citing the covid-19 pandemic, denied permission to a Sikh jatha (group of pilgrims) that was scheduled to visit it via the Attari-Wagah border on June 21. The jatha was to stay in Pakistan for 10 days and was to commemorate the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore on June 29, besides visiting Sikh religious places.
15-Jun-2021
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur wrote a letter to the Pakistan government and urged to repair Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib built in the memory of Sri Guru Nanak Dev situated in Chakk Fateh Bhinder village in Daska tehsil of Sialkot district in Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The SGPC president has urged the Pakistan government to pay special attention towards the maintenance of Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib in Sialkot district, by getting the shrine repaired immediately. "If the Pakistan government has any difficulty in the Sikh shrine, then the service of this shrine should be handed over to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sri Amritsar. The SGPC is ready to do Sewa (voluntary service) of this place," she said.
06-Jun-2021
According to reports, Sikhs in Pakistan took out an anti-India rally in Nankana Sahib to condemn the attack on the Golden Temple by Indian forces in June 1984. Sources said that rally participants held placards and banners with anti-India slogans. The protesters led by pro-Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla demanded of the United Nations to take action against Indian culprits involved in the massacre of Sikhs in 1984.
04-Jun-2021
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that Pakistan government, citing the second wave of Covid-19, has denied permission to a group of Sikh pilgrims from India who wanted to visit the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore to mark the martyrdom day Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru.
29-May-2021
A Hindu lawmaker, Keeso Mal Kheeal Das, a member of the National Assembly, submitted a bill in the lower house of Pakistan Parliament which intends to refer religious minorities as ‘non-Muslims’. Called as the Constitution Amendment Act, 2021, the bill aims to end discrimination against Pakistani non-Muslims who have been also referred in the constitution as minorities. He suggested that the bill should be adopted and brought into effect immediately. The government has not opposed the bill so far and the matter has been referred to the relevant standing committee. After it is vetted by a bipartisan committee of the house, it will be presented for voting.
28-May-2021
Pakistan-based Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla admitted that a Gurdwara granthi, Ranjit Singh, sending out the voice message which warned members of the Pakistani Sikh community, but he said the motive was different. In a video message uploaded on social media, Chawla, whose handlers are with ISI, said Sikhs of Pakistan always took guidance from gurdwara granthis. “The message was indeed from granthi Ranjit Singh, but he wanted to convey something else,” Chawla said. Instead, Chawla claimed, the granthi was giving a message to Sikh youth to not loiter around late in the night and reach home on time. He also pointed to deteriorating Sikh religious values and practices in Pakistan, as he claimed that Sikh youth of Pakistan had gone astray from the path of Sikhism.
24-May-2021
In an audio message circulating among Sikh groups of Pakistan, a Sikh religious leader has cautioned the community members based in Lahore and Nankana Sahib to not move out of their houses late at the night due to threat from Taliban. The Pakistani Sikh leader said he has been informed about these threats by the officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) after the culmination of religious services at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore on May 24. The leader appealed to the Sikhs of Lahore and Nankana Sahib to furnish their credentials with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGC) and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for security arrangements. However, the chairman of ETPB, Dr Aamer Ahamd denied the reports of asking Sikhs to furnish their details with them. “We vehemently deny such reports, there is no threat to Sikhs in Pakistan,” said Aamer.
13-May-2021
A United States (US) body on religious freedom in its latest report has been scathing in its criticism of Pakistan and China over the appalling condition of the minority communities in their states. Stating that underage girls from the Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities continue to be kidnapped for conversion to Islam, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its annual report said that around 1,000 such incidents occur in Pakistan every year.
12-May-2021
A granthi of a Pakistan Gurdwara was suspended after his sleazy video went viral on the net causing much embarrassment to the authorities of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and its parent body Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
07-May-2021
According to sources, a group of Sikh leaders of Pakistan, reportedly led by former Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president, Bishan Singh, held a meeting with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) top brass seeking change in leadership. Sources alleged that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) bosses were not “satisfied” with the performance of the present PSGPC president Satwant Singh in finding “soft targets” from among the Indian Sikh jathas to push the Khalistan movement. Taking advantage of this, a Sikh lobby led by Gopal Singh Chawla is trying to oust Satwant, they added.
29-Apr-2021
Pakistan’s Religious and Minorities Affair Department has failed completely to utilize its Rs 370.20 million funds in the first 10 months of this fiscal year in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). According to the official sources, out of the Rs 370 million allocated funds around Rs 350 million were released by the Finance Department but the Religious Affairs Department only managed to utilize Rs 110.93 million funds.
25-Apr-2021
Pakistan’s National Command and Operation Centre informed that the Kartarpur Corridor was closed for pilgrims since 16th of last month owing to rising disease spread.
23-Apr-2021
According to reports, Pakistan’s anti India propaganda machinery is now projecting a Muslim in guise of Sikh who has given a call to Sikh community to join hands with Islamist activists against the French people and to boycott the French products in protest against publishing of caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. In a video message which was uploaded on social media on Friday, a turban clad person said that this was the right time to reply to the temerity of French people and the man is also heard saying that he had visited a few shopping malls where he saw ‘boycott' labels attached to the French products. Notably, in the recent past there had been violent protests against France, after French president Emmanuel Macron defended the publication of a caricatures of Prophet Mohammed and pledged to fight the Islamist separation. Meanwhile, the Indian Sikh jatha on visit to Pakistan had to be stopped due to protest by the activists of Islamist body Teherek-i-Labaik Pakistan on April 12. While ensuring support of Sikh community to the Islamist jihadi’s, he said that they should be like Hitler to the French people who dared to publish the blasphemous caricature of Prophet Mohammed. Intelligence sources informed that the person in the provoking video was Qasam Dogar who calls himself Sardar Qasam Dogar Singh and was on the payrolls of ISI like Pakistan’s pro Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla.
21-Apr-2021
According to media reports, the Sikh community in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of Pakistan is facing troubles as the members of the community are once again receiving calls from extortionists. A local Sikh trader who has a cosmetics shop in the Karkhano Market recently received a call from Afghan numbers asking him to pay ‘charity money’ to the militants. The businessman has received two calls for extortion in a short span of two days and is being threatened with dire consequences if he failed to pay up. The Hayatabad police have opened an inquiry into the case.
20-Apr-2021
Pakistan’s Punjab Government has issued a resolution which defines the Government’s position towards the Sikh community and puts in a strong plea for the maintenance of cordial relations between the Sikhs and the Government.
19-Apr-2021
Sikh pilgrims celebrated the 322nd Baisakhi Mela at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur. Around 818 Sikhs from India came to border town Kartarpur through the corridor in a procession. Other than India, pilgrims from Pakistan, Dubai, the US and Canada were also participated in the Baisakhi festival.
14-Feb-2021
Six packets of heroin weighing 6.38 kilograms were recovered from the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar District.
11-Feb-2021
The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a drug peddler, identified as Mandeep Singh, near Attari along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Amritsar District. During search across the barbed fencing, the personnel recovered 10 packets containing 10.7 kilograms of heroin. When challenged, the BSF men heard sounds cocking of weapons and opened fire in self-defence. Mandeep was injured while his accomplice fled from the spot. During search, the BSF found heroin in a bag.
13-Jan-2021
The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 12 kilograms of heroin, worth INR 600 million in the international market, near India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Amritsar district. “We seized 12 packets of the contraband near the border fence. The area is manned by 88 Bn, BSF, Amritsar sector. A 13-foot-long PVC pipe was also found there. It was probably used to push packets across the border. No arrest has been made so far,” a BSF official said.
17-Dec-2020
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead two militants near the Attari area along the India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Amritsar District. The armed Pakistani militants were attempting to infiltrate into the Indian side of the border when they were gunned down. Their identities are yet to be ascertained
05-Dec-2020
The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five packets of heroin weighing 5.360 kilograms along the Indo-Pakistan border at Ferozepur sector of Ferozepur District.
27-Aug-2020
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) invited Sikh pilgrims from India to offer ''Jyoti Jyot Gurpurab'' prayers at the historic Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Punjab province of Pakistan next month.
26-Aug-2020
In a first, the ‘jyoti jot’ diwas (death anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev would be observed at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, on September 22. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
05-Aug-2020
Some Sikh religious and political leaders in Pakistan came out in the open to exhort the community to ‘help’ militant movements in Kashmir. Messages were delivered to the Pakistani Sikh community on August 5, which is being observed as Youm-i-Istehsal (the day of exploitation) in Pakistan. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSPGC) president Satwant Singh in his video message said that supporting Kashmiris in their “cause” is their duty, which they would continue to perform. He claimed that Kashmiris are being subjected to atrocities and denied their rights. “Sikhs have been helping the oppressed and it is time for the Sikhs to help Kashmiris,” he said.
19-May-2023
An Indian-origin man among members of a drug smuggling gang was convicted for conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on May 19. Joshpal Singh Kothiria, a driver from Wolverhampton, played a role in supplying the smuggled drugs to Ireland. The operation was busted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK.
11-May-2023
The International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) has published a report on the Khalistan movement, highlighting its threat to Indian sovereignty, Western countries, and the principles of Sikhism. The report identifies certain organizations as the key propagators of Khalistan ideology, engaging in real-world disruptions and exploiting liberal laws to spread their narrative. The Khalistan movement has been compared to the Muslim Brotherhood in its demand for a state based on a narrowly defined religious doctrine and disregard for democratic principles. The movement is fuelled by funds from Pakistani intelligence and Khalistani sympathizers in the West, posing a serious security concern. The IFFRAS report calls for unified international action to counter extremist narratives and promote a global community that respects territorial sovereignty and religious tolerance.
09-May-2023
Sixteen people, including several of Indian-origin, have been convicted following an investigation into an organised crime group involved in international money laundering and people smuggling in west London in United Kingdom (UK). The group is believed to have smuggled over GBP 42 million in cash out of the UK between 2017 and 2019, with the money believed to have come from the sale of banned drugs and organised immigration crime. The group made hundreds of trips to Dubai during this time.
07-May-2023
A report by Colin Bloom, an Independent Faith Engagement Advisor, reveals that pro-Khalistani activities across the globe are being fuelled by a small group of terrorists and extremists, aided and funded by Pakistan. The Khalistani movement uses the freedom provided in Western nations, especially the United Kingdom (UK), to spread hate and extremism and to coerce moderate Sikhs to support their ideology. The majority of Sikhs and Indians living abroad do not support extremism and the call for a separate Khalistan. The Khalistanis use gurdwaras to spread their messages of hate and extremism and to collect funding for their operations.
06-May-2023
Lord Indarjit Singh, a British Sikh peer, will present King Charles with the Coronation Glove, which symbolizes the Sovereign's role as an advocate and challenger for the protection and honour of the people, during the coronation ceremony. Lord Singh will join other faith leaders in the procession and gift presentation.
03-May-2023
A Sikh restaurant owner in London, United Kingdom (UK), Harman Singh Kapoor, received threats to his life after posting a video on TikTok against Khalistan movement. Reports indicate that his restaurant was targeted by supporters of Khalistan and he and his family have been repeatedly harassed and intimidated on social media, including receiving death threats. Harman said that his wife and his daughter received rape threats. Despite reporting the incidents to the authorities, Harman and his family continue to experience a sense of insecurity. Harman has accused the police of stating that they can only intervene if physical harm or loss of life occurs.
02-May-2023
The Sikh Group, a UK-based organization, released 'The Sikhs 100' list of influential Sikhs from around the world in various fields. Takht Hazur Sahib Jathedar Giani Kulwant Singh retained the top position, followed by Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami feature at the third and fourth spot, respectively. Other notable names on the list include former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Hardeep Puri, and actor Diljit Dosanjh.
01-May-2023
The United Kingdom (UK) government-commissioned "Bloom Review" report on how the government should engage with faith groups in England has sparked backlash from British Sikhs and Hindus. The report's chapter on "faith-based extremism" included Sikh extremism and Hindu nationalism alongside Islamist extremism, white supremacy, black nationalism and Buddhist nationalism. The report calls for a more comprehensive understanding of subversive and sectarian Sikh extremist activity in the UK.
30-Apr-2023
According to a report titled “Does government do God” by the United Kingdom (UK) government, Khalistani groups are proliferating in the UK. The report states that Khalistani groups are found often masquerading as human right groups to avoid public scrutiny. The report further indicates that these groups are getting support from some political figures within the parliament. People interviewed for the report stated that they ‘live in fear’ if they disagree with the ideology of these activists. Additionally, the report includes a recorded testimony of a witness who stated that these groups were trying to brainwash the youth to create divisions and promote hatred in India.
30-Apr-2023
An Indian-origin crime gang leader, Raj Singh alias Rajinder Singh Bassi was sentenced to eight years and ten months in prison by a British court after admitting to drug smuggling, money laundering, and assault charges. The United Kingdom (UK)'s National Crime Agency (NCA) proved that Singh ran an organised crime group with Waqas Iqbal and regularly dealt in Class A drugs and firearms. Singh also assaulted a police officer. Iqbal was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to similar charges. The duo were intercepted through their communications on the platform EncroChat by the NCA.
29-Apr-2023
According to report, no one showed up for a protest called by Khalistani extremists outside the Indian High Commission office in London on April 29. The protest was against the use of the term "Sikh extremism" in a report submitted by Colin Bloom, an independent faith engagement adviser. Bloom's report emphasized the need for the United Kingdom (UK) government to define and tackle harmful extremism, highlighting the negative effect extremist groups create on Sikh communities. Despite the call for protests on social media, none turned up.
28-Apr-2023
Colin Bloom, a faith advisor in the United Kingdom (UK), expressed that the Sikh community in the UK is composed of individuals who are generally kind, hardworking, and generous, describing them as beautiful people. However, he also pointed out that there is a small but vocal minority among them who are involved in pro-Pakistan extremism, and are disproportionately aggressive and threatening. Bloom sees the rise of pro-Khalistan extremism as a significant challenge that the British government needs to address and crack down on. He believes that this small extreme minority is letting down the larger Sikh community. Earlier on April 26, the UK government released a report called "Does Government 'do God'?: An independent review into how government engages with faith", authored by Colin Bloom. The report includes a section that focuses on the concerns of some members of the British Sikh community, who have expressed their worry about a small yet highly vocal group that they feel is attempting to co-opt the Sikh faith to advance a subversive pro-Khalistan agenda.
26-Apr-2023
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson commissioned an independent report known as the Bloom Review, which has brought attention to a "small, extremely vocal, and aggressive minority of British Sikhs who can be described as pro-Khalistan extremists." The report analyzes the government's engagement with faith groups in England and calls for a more nuanced understanding of "subversive and sectarian activity" within the Sikh community. The report cautions against certain pro-Khalistan Sikh groups that seek to amplify their influence by lobbying political bodies under the guise of human rights activism, thereby presenting a false image of legitimacy. Additionally, it highlights the use of various aliases by some groups to "subvert the British political order," a tactic historically employed by white supremacist and Islamist terrorist groups. According to the report, the subversive, sectarian, and discriminatory activities of these groups are not representative of the majority of British Sikh communities. However, it recognizes that such activities have negatively impacted these communities, underscoring the need for the government to take measures to address and define such harmful extremism.
25-Apr-2023
Chris Blackburn, a British political analyst, expressed concern about Dal Khalsa, an organization that is promoting the Khalistan movement and its supporters across Europe. He tweeted, “Dal Khalsa is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the Khalistan movement in Europe. It’s a blatant lie to say they aren’t instrumental to the leadership of the movement. Their open ties to #Pakistan and their radicalism are the issues. Would you agree?” He also shared images of Dal Khalsa events featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who has been observed campaigning with members of Dal Khalsa for the referendum on several occasions.
25-Apr-2023
In an open letter addressed to United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, 230 Sikh organizations based in the UK have voiced their concerns, as stated by a spokesperson for the Sikh Federation (UK). The organizations have expressed worry over Sunak's recent actions and described them as troubling, given what they perceive as a trend of suspicion towards the British Sikh community by the UK government, allegedly under pressure from the Indian government.
24-Apr-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) plans to travel to London to investigate the pro-Khalistani protests and acts of vandalism that occurred outside the Indian High Commission on March 19. As part of this investigation, the NIA intends to interview several individuals and review CCTV footage captured by cameras installed outside the Commission's premises.
02-Apr-2023
According to reports, Avtar Singh Khanda, who is believed to have orchestrated the violent incident at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, leads a dual life in the United Kingdom (UK). There is evidence to suggest that Avtar Singh Khanda alias Azaad who is seeking political asylum in the UK, is actually Ranjodh Singh, the self-proclaimed leader of the designated terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). It is worth noting that Khanda's father, Kulwant Singh Khukrana, was also a KLF terrorist who was killed by security forces in 1991. Reports from both London and New Delhi indicate that it is likely that Khanda, using the alias Ranjodh Singh, is responsible for issuing KLF press statements that accuse the Indian government of committing acts of violence against the Sikh community worldwide. Khanda, who was at the forefront of the March 19 protests in London and is mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Police regarding the incident. It is also reported that the UK security establishment and police did not take any action at the time. Intelligence sources also indicate that Khanda, who uses the names "Avvtar Singh Azaad" and "Ranjodh Singh" on his Facebook profile, is planning to claim responsibility for future terrorist attacks in India, particularly targeting Punjab. His objective is to radicalize young people in Punjab, as well as in countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, Germany, and Australia, and incite support for the so-called Khalistan movement against India.
31-Mar-2023
As per reports from Pakistani media, the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have initiated legal proceedings at the London High Court (LHC), United Kingdom (UK) against Indian-origin Tory Party's Lord Rami Ranger for making false allegations that they are agents of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and are receiving money from the state of Pakistan for running high-profile Khalistan movement.
25-Mar-2023
A group of Khalistani supporters gathered outside the British parliament in London, United Kingdom (UK) on March 25 to protest against the police actions against fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, as part of similar protests in Canada and the United States (US). The protesters carrying pro-Khalistan flags and banners in support of Amritpal Singh were chanting for the release of Amritpal Singh, who has yet to be arrested by the police.
25-Mar-2023
Bob Blackman, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the British Conservative party, requested a ban on the Khalistani group within the United Kingdom (UK). He expressed concern that the country is currently sheltering Khalistani terrorists and has called for a discussion in the government to determine what measures can be taken to hold these individuals accountable and prevent their presence in the country.
22-Mar-2023
In support of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, a fresh pro-Khalistan protest was held on March 22 at the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK). The protest, which lasted for three hours, turned violent as some of the protesters threw water bottles and smoke flares at the main gate of the Indian High Commission. It is worth noting that the High Commission building had previously been attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters during a related demonstration. Despite this, the Metropolitan Police were able to prevent the protesters from reaching the building this time around.
22-Mar-2023
The Indian envoy to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed all Sikhs residing in the United Kingdom (UK), providing an explanation of the ongoing crackdown against Amritpal Singh in Punjab and appealing to them to refrain from believing and spreading unfounded rumors and false information on social media.
22-Mar-2023
Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh restaurant owner in London's Hammersmith area in the United Kingdom (UK), has stated that he was forced to shut down his establishment following an alleged attack on March 22 by pro-Khalistan supporters. According to Kapoor, a group of individuals arrived at his restaurant with "concealed weapons" and began pounding on the glass doors while shouting racial obscenities in Punjabi. The attack occurred after Kapoor, who has a significant social media following of over 30,000 on TikTok, uploaded videos that criticized the Khalistan movement and mocked Amritpal Singh.
20-Mar-2023
The British Conservative MP (Member of Parliament), Bob Blackman on March 20 expressed that the majority of Sikhs living in the United Kingdom (UK) ‘totally reject’ the Khalistani project. He further urged the police to handle separatist groups in the UK effectively. He said, “This is a very small, ultra-small section of the Sikh community. The vast majority of Sikhs in this country absolutely reject the Khalistani project... It's not going to happen as we know...My message is very simple to the police, when this happens, those people need to be arrested & dealt with properly.”
20-Mar-2023
After pro-Khalistani protestors pulled down India's national flag on March 19, the Indian High Commission in London responded by hoisting an even larger tricolour flag in the building. The officials from the Indian High Commission stated that the attack was unsuccessful, and the new tricolour flag was now flying with even greater grandeur.
19-Mar-2023
United Kingdom (UK) based pro-Khalistan activist, Avtar Singh Khanda was arrested for pulling down the Indian flag at the Embassy in London on March 19. According to sources, Avtar Singh Khanda is the son of Kulwant Singh Khukrana who was a terrorist of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).
19-Mar-2023
Khalistani supporters pulled down the Indian national flag flying atop the Indian High Commission building in London on March 19. While chanting pro-Khalistani slogans and holding Khalistani flags, the protesting group also caused damage to the High Commission building's window. However, no injuries were reported in the incident. Following the event, a man was taken into custody on suspicion of initiating the violent act.
18-Feb-2023
Khalistani supporters on February 18 raised anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans outside the Indian High Commission in London in United Kingdom (UK). According to reports, Khalistani supporters not just raised Pro-Khalistani slogans but also chanted anti-India slogans outside the Indian High Commission.
15-Feb-2023
During the last week, the British government highlighted that a small group of pro-Khalistan activists is spreading a false story that Britain is colluding with India to oppress Sikhs. In its counter-terrorism review, stated that though the existing threat to the United Kingdom (UK) is low from the pro-Khalistan movement, it could intensify in the future. Warning about “pro-Khalistan extremism emerging from the UK’s Sikh communities”. Sources also said that a similar story is evolving in Australia where Khalistan groups have been trying to muster support lately.
10-Feb-2023
Radicalisation of the Muslims in United Kingdom (UK) on the issue of Kashmir and “potentially toxic” pro-Khalistan extremism are major concerns for the country, said a review into the UK government's counter-terrorism early intervention Prevent strategy published recently. The review warned that rhetoric from Pakistan is impacting UK Muslim communities when it comes to "inflaming anti-India sentiment, particularly around the subject of Kashmir". It also warned against a false narrative being disseminated by a tiny number of pro-Khalistan groups operating in the UK. The review, on the issue of pro-Khalistan extremism, said, "Prevent should also be mindful of pro-Khalistan extremism emerging from the UK's Sikh communities. A false narrative is disseminated by the tiny number of pro-Khalistan groups operating in the UK that the government is colluding with its counterpart in India to persecute Sikhs." "Such groups' narratives glorify violence carried out by the pro-Khalistan movement in India. While the current threat is low, praise for violence overseas and a simultaneous belief in a state-led campaign of repression domestically is a potentially toxic combination for the future," said the report.
06-Feb-2023
The Indian High Commission in London stated that United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended the meeting between British National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow and Indian NSA Ajit Doval in London. According to sources, Doval did some “plain speaking on Sikh radicalism, pro-Pakistan groups and BBC documentary” with UK officials. Radical Sikh actions against India and assaults on the Indian diplomatic mission have been worse recently, and the local government hasn’t responded appropriately, Doval told them. Similarly, anti-India Pakistanis are active in the UK, according to the sources, who also noted that this group frequently influences British MPs’ views on India.
26-Jan-2023
According to reports, anti-India demonstrations were held outside Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Consulate in Birmingham. The protesters termed India’s Republic Day as Black Day and asked the British government to intervene and halt the ongoing genocide in “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”.
03-Nov-2022
According to reports, Khalistani supporters of Jaggi Johal (34) who is lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail, have launched a fresh worldwide campaign to get him freed from India. Johal is a citizen of the United Kingdom (UK). Jaggi Johal alias Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested by Punjab police on November 4, 2017, in Jalandhar under the arms Act. Under the campaign christened “Free Jaggi Now” the Khalistani activists have announced holding protests on November 4, in 5 cities of the United States (US) including New York and California. The Canadian radicals will gather in two cities, Toronto and Vancouver while In the UK protests will be held in four main cities including London and Manchester. The free Jaggi protests are now directed toward the British – earlier they were targeting India – as a recent BBC report revealed that Jaggi was arrested in India on the basis of information provided by the intelligence agencies of the UK. According to the BBC Johal’s activities in the UK as a fundraiser for Sikh separatists active in Punjab were in the knowledge of the British intelligence agencies. He was also involved in translating pro-Khalistan Punjabi literature into English for publication in newspapers and on websites. This information was passed over to the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) following which Johal was arrested by the Punjab police. Jaggi has been named as an accused in seven cases, five of those being murder charges (targeted killings) and two being attempt to murder charges (attempted targeted killings). Activists and members of right-wing Hindu outfits, the Dera Sirsa followers, and even a Christian activist (a pastor) were targeted in these killings.
01-Aug-2022
According to reports, a section of British Sikhs has written to the United Kingdom (UK')s Prime Minister (PM) contenders Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, asking them to clarify their views on issues faced by the community. The national press secretary of Sikh Federation (UK), Jaspal Singh on August 1 said that the community's main issues were the release and return of Scottish national Jagtar Singh Johal who has been jailed in India for five years, UK home secretary Priti Patel's alleged comments labelling British Sikhs as extremists, and addressing anti-Sikh hate in the same way as antisemitism and Islamophobia.
31-Mar-2022
United Kingdom (UK) regulator Ofcom suspended the license of Khalsa Television Limited which broadcasts to the Sikh diaspora on its pro-Khalistan Punjabi TV channel KTV after one of its programmes called on UK-based Sikhs to travel to Punjab to engage in violent crime and disorder to achieve a separate Khalistan state. The license was suspended with immediate effect on March 31 when UK foreign secretary Liz Truss landed in Delhi. “The presenter of the programme made a number of statements throughout the programme which, taken together, promoted violent action, including murder, as an acceptable and necessary form of action to further the Khalistani cause. This was a serious breach of our rules on incitement of crime and disorder,” Ofcom said in its written decision.
26-Feb-2022
According to intelligence sources, the banned “Punjab Politics TV” operating from the United Kingdom (UK) had been spreading hate against India and propagating pro-Khalistani sentiments in the country and in Punjab for the last one year. Sources confirmed that this social media channel and application was launched by pro-Khalistan sympathisers just ahead of the Punjab elections, and was being widely circulated in the hinterlands of Punjab with the agenda of keeping some political party out of power in the state and to spread Khalistani sentiments among the people of Punjab. The digital platform “Punjab Politics TV” bears the company name “Politics Punjab Broadcasting Ltd” and is registered in the UK with the Companies House, under the government of the United Kingdom. The company was incorporated in March 2021 and since then, it has been active both in the UK and in Punjab. Intelligence agencies have said that they were tracking the activities of this digital media since the last six months when it became quite active in Punjab, keeping in mind the recently held Assembly elections in the state. The intelligence agencies had shared a detailed report with the Ministry of Home Affairs about the activities of this media company and how they had been propagating hate, fake news against Sikhs in India.
03-Feb-2022
A peer in the House of Lords and chairman of the British Sikh Association, Lord Rami Ranger, said that United Kingdom (UK) home secretary Priti Patel was “right” to say during a speech to a United States (US) think tank that "Sikh separatist extremism has caused considerable tensions in recent years”. He said that as home secretary of the UK, Patel “is right to ensure Britain never becomes a launchpad for terrorists”. “Every British citizen who has taken an oath of alignment to Her Majesty the Queen must be loyal and work hard to become an asset to the nation. Engaging in criminal activities against any nation is punishable by law. With the new nationality bill, they could be removed from the country and stripped of their citizenship,” he said. Ranger urged “anti-India Sikhs” to be like the Sikh Gurus who “were committed to their Mother India and paid supreme sacrifices to preserve India’s ancient civilization”. “Anti-India Sikhs should learn from the Kashmiri militants who have been terrorizing their fellow Kashmiris for three decades and have gained nothing except to hinder the progress of Kashmiris along with causing death and destruction to their fellow citizens,” Ranger added.
02-Feb-2022
United Kingdom (UK) home secretary Priti Patel has been accused of smearing Sikhs after she referred to Sikh separatist extremism as a “shared security threat” the UK had with the US in a speech she gave on November 19, 2021. In the speech in Washington DC to the Heritage Foundation, a think tank which promotes Conservative public policies and values, Patel spoke about “the global picture and the various threats” that the UK and US face as allies, all of which “endanger our shared freedom and prosperity”. While discussing Islamist extremism, Daesh and extreme right-wing terror groups, she said, “Sikh separatist extremism has also caused considerable tensions in recent years. While we stoutly defend freedom of expression, it must always be within the law. We have expanded our disruptions capability to better address those people who seek to radicalize but who operate, often intentionally, below legal thresholds.” Meanwhile, Dabinderjit Singh, principal adviser of the Sikh Federation (UK), said that he had been raising this “quietly” with ministers ever since November asking them to explain her comments. He said, “No one has been able to. This is not just a speech but a speech on the UK government website. If Sikhs had carried out a bomb blast in Britain, it may have been legitimate to say that. We are shocked the home secretary has made such remarks… What incident in Britain would make the home secretary start saying she is worried about Sikh separatist extremists? Is it on the back of the 2020 Khalistan referendum in Britain? She says she has banned the political wing of Hamas and the undertone is that is why she is mentioning Sikhs.”
29-Jan-2022
The Chairman of the British Sikhs Association and the ruling Tory Party’s Lord Rami Ranger has called Sikh For Justice (SFJ)’s chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a Pakistani agent for his campaign for the creation of an independent state for Sikhs called Khalistan. In a debate on the Republic TV, the millionaire British Indian businessman hit out at the SFJ and its main leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who has already been declared a “terrorist” by the India state over his activism for the state of Khalistan. It is believed that SFJ will be taking legal actions over the serious allegations.
26-Jan-2022
According to Pakistani media, nearly a hundred Khalistani activists, including Khalistani terrorist Paramjeet Singh Pamma, gathered at the London Indian High Commission and held a protest for two hours to condemn India’s official celebrations and register their protest against India.
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.