MPs being pressured to make representations to UK Government on safety and security of Sikhs in the UK
London – 20 October 2024
Earlier today a press conference was held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick to express grave concern for the safety and security of Sikhs in the UK after revelations in Canada and the US this week concerning the criminal role of senior Indian diplomats and intelligence officers.
A mass letter writing campaign (see letter attached) for constituents to write to MPs was launched aimed at pressuring MPs to get the UK Government to urgently provide reassurance to British Sikhs and explain what they are doing to counter India’s transnational repression that has reached new and extreme heights of barbarity.
On Monday, Downing Street confirmed Justin Trudeau, the Canadian PM spoke to Keir Starmer to discuss “recent developments regarding allegations under investigation in Canada.” The Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly briefed Davin Lammy and her counterparts in the US, Australia and New Zealand.
The Foreign Office later stated: “We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential. The government of India’s co-operation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.”
On 16 October the Sikh Federation (UK) received a letter from Dan Jarvis, the Security Minister who stated:
“When we last met, you raised the issue of transnational repression. We continually assess potential threats and take protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. If we identify such activity, we use a range of measures to mitigate risk.”
Dabinderjit Singh OBE, the Lead Executive (Political Engagement) wrote back to him the same day requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the safety and security of British Sikhs. The letter stated:
“With serious developments at the start of this week on transnational repression in Canada and communications between the Canadian PM and Keir Starmer and the Canadian Foreign Minister and David Lammy, we hope this meeting can be sooner rather than later. British Sikhs need specific reassurances on their safety and security in light of the developments in Canada and communications with the UK Government.”
At the press conference media were told that Sikh representatives in a meeting with anti-terror police in late June 2023 were informed by police they were deeply concerned with the repressive activities of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) targeting peaceful Sikh protesters in the UK. Later in August 2023 the NIA harassed family members for around 40 British Sikhs in India about protesting in London. Press were told about the briefing session arranged for MPs in Parliament last week on 14 October on transnational repression and political interference by the Indian government. A video recorded of the briefing in Parliament has been sent to all UK MPs.
Kuldeep Singh, the President at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick told the media there had been three meetings in February, June and August this year with Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable for West Midlands Police. However, Sikh representatives have not had adequate answers on the police investigation into Avtar Singh Khanda’s suspicious death or a proper investigation of a July 2023 television broadcast where the NIA publicly claimed responsibility for the killing of three Sikh activists in May and June 2023, including Avtar Singh Khanda and Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Dabinderjit Singh, the Lead Executive at the Sikh Federation (UK) for Political Engagement said: “In the next few weeks Gurdwaras up and down the country are expected to get constituents to write to between 300-400 different MPs with some MPs receiving hundreds of letters from constituents.”
“Each letter will need a response indicating how the MP has taken up the serious issues raised with the PM and relevant Ministers.”
“MPs are also being asked to write to the Home Secretary to support the call for an inquest and public inquiry into Avtar Singh Khanda’s suspicious death in June 2023.”
ENDS
Jaspal Singh Lead Executive Sikh Federation (UK)