In a significant development, the UK security minister Dan Jarvis has issued a stern warning to India, cautioning against any attempts to intimidate or harm British Sikhs. This comes in response to a series of allegations made by members of the Sikh community in the UK, who claim they have been targeted and harassed by Indian authorities or their agents, both on British soil and when traveling abroad.
Harassment Allegations Spark Concern
The minister’s intervention was prompted by a letter from the Sikh Federation, which detailed numerous instances of British Sikhs facing harassment. These incidents ranged from individuals being stopped and questioned about their views on India at UK airports to more sinister allegations of threats and intimidation by Indian police.
One particularly troubling case involved the sudden death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a prominent Sikh activist, in June 2022. Prior to his passing, Khanda had reportedly complained about receiving harassing phone calls from Indian law enforcement, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Schedule 7 Powers Under Scrutiny
Sikh community leaders have expressed growing concern over the use of schedule 7 powers under the Terrorism Act 2000. They allege that British Sikhs are increasingly being subjected to invasive questioning about their religious and political beliefs when returning to the UK, with a particular focus on their views regarding the Indian state and the Khalistan movement – a campaign for an independent Sikh homeland.
The anecdotal evidence I have gives me cause for concern that law-abiding Sikhs are being targeted, and that they are being subjected to inappropriate questioning that centres on their identity and religious beliefs, for no apparent reason.
– Preet Gill, Labour MP
Labour MP Preet Gill, one of the most prominent Sikhs in parliament, recently wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to voice her concerns. She highlighted the case of one individual who was reportedly asked about his views on Sikhism, the partition of India, and the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh activist, during questioning at a UK airport.
UK Calls for Indian Cooperation
In his letter to the Sikh Federation, Minister Jarvis underscored the UK’s commitment to protecting its citizens, stating:
We do not tolerate intimidation or threats to life, and through our intelligence agencies and police forces will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.
– Dan Jarvis, UK Security Minister
The minister also called upon the Indian government to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations in Canada into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian authorities believe that Nijjar’s killing involved the participation of Indian government actors, a grave accusation that has further strained relations between the Sikh diaspora and India.
Tensions on the Rise
The latest warnings from the UK government come amidst rising tensions between the Sikh community and Indian authorities. The Indian state has long viewed the Khalistan movement as a major security threat, with increasing attention being paid to Sikh activist groups operating in the UK, Canada, and other parts of the diaspora.
As allegations of harassment and intimidation continue to surface, there are growing calls for a more robust response from the British government to safeguard the rights and safety of its Sikh citizens. The Sikh Federation and other community organizations are urging UK authorities to take concrete steps to prevent any foreign interference or threats against British Sikhs, both at home and abroad.
The Road Ahead
Minister Jarvis’ direct warning to India marks a significant escalation in the UK’s efforts to address the concerns of its Sikh community. However, it remains to be seen whether this diplomatic pressure will be sufficient to deter any further attempts at intimidation or harassment by Indian authorities.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching to see how the UK navigates this delicate issue, balancing its commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens with the need to maintain diplomatic relations with India. For British Sikhs, the hope is that their government’s intervention will lead to a safer, more secure future, free from the specter of foreign interference and persecution.
