The UK's Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis, has assured the Sikh community in the UK of protection against alleged harassment by foreign powers, including India.
His statement follows complaints from some Sikhs in the UK, alleging they were "targeted by or on behalf of the Indian government" at airports. The Sikh population in the UK is approximately 5,35,000, making up 0.8 per cent of the country’s population.
Jarvis addressed these concerns in a letter to the Sikh Federation, a group with Khalistani ties, emphasising that the UK would not tolerate intimidation or threats against its citizens.
According to The Guardian, the letter also urged India to cooperate with Canada in investigating the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar’s death and Canada-India relations
The death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has strained Canada-India relations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, an allegation India has vehemently denied, calling it "preposterous" and unsupported by evidence.
The Nijjar case has sparked global attention, with Canada India news frequently covering developments.
Jarvis's letter expressed confidence in Canada’s judicial system, calling for India’s cooperation in the investigation. India, however, has rejected Canada’s claims and criticized Trudeau for using the Sikh community in Canada for political gain.
UK criticised for harbouring anti-India Elements
India's former diplomat Kanwal Sibal criticised the UK's stance, accusing it of sheltering Khalistani extremists and anti-India operatives. Sibal stated that the UK had a history of enabling such groups, threatening India’s sovereignty and security.
A report by Khalsa Vox, a Sikh website, also questioned the allegations by pro-Khalistanis in the UK, stating that they lacked credible evidence. Many Sikh voices have distanced themselves from the Sikh Federation, emphasizing their commitment to peace and unity.
Despite these controversies, Dan Jarvis reiterated his commitment to protecting Sikhs in the UK and ensuring their safety from foreign interference, highlighting the UK’s stance on sovereignty and the rule of law.
The ongoing tensions between Canada and India, coupled with allegations involving Sikhs in the UK, have added complexities to Canada India relations, as both nations navigate these challenges.
Also Read: Minister warns India over harassment of British Sikhs
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