Tuesday, February 10, 2026
    ADVT 
    International

    UK Takes Cautious Line On Pro-Khalistan Sikhs For Justice Meet

    Darpan News Desk IANS, 11 Jul, 2018 12:37 PM
      The British High Commission in India on Wednesday reacted cautiously to reports that Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a separatist organisation, has offered to sponsor youth and political activists from Punjab to travel to London for a meeting on August 12 this year. 
       
       
      The August meeting is proposed to shape up the ‘London Declaration On Referendum 2020’ campaign seeking a separate Khalistan. 
       
       
      Referendum 20 20

      ਲੰਡਨ ਐਲਾਨਨਾਂਮਾ 12 ਅਗਸਤ 2018 ਰਫ਼ਰੈਂਡਮ 2020 Update - Referendum 2020

      Posted by KTV on Wednesday, 11 July 2018
       
       
      Asked if it reflects the UK government policy to support separatist elements, the British High Commission spokesperson in Delhi told The Tribune: "In the UK people have the right to gather together and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law”. 
       
       
      Reports citing Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the legal advisor to SFJ based in New York, suggested that the organisation plans to provide sponsorship letters to participants from Punjab and also arrange free stay for them from August 10-14. 
       
       
      The SFJ that has initiated a social media campaign for the meeting at Trafalgar Square has proposed to unveil a declaration advocating for “Sikhs’ right to self-determination for the independence of Punjab”. 
       
       
      Pro-Khalistan elements on British soil have been a sensitive topic in bilateral ties between New Delhi and London. Earlier in April this year India had lodged a strong protest with UK after the Tricolour was burnt by Khalistani elements at Parliament Square even as Prime Minister Modi was addressing the Diaspora in Westminster. 
       
       
      “However, we will not tolerate any groups who spread hate or deliberately raise community fears and tensions by bringing disorder and violence to our towns and cities and the police have comprehensive powers to deal with such activities,” added the British High Commission spokesperson today.  
       
       
      SFJ that calls itself an international advocacy group has reportedly asked interested students and activists in Punjab to Whatsapp their IDs and passport details to provide them a sponsorship letter to attend the meeting, which would be necessary to obtain a visa.  
       
       
      “Any visa application would be subject to the normal checks and requirements, regardless of who the sponsor is,” the UK High Commission said.
      Prev Next

      MORE International ARTICLES

      Indian Family Rescued In Abu Dhabi Fire

      Indian Family Rescued In Abu Dhabi Fire
      An Indian-origin family has been rescued after a fire in their residential complex here, officials said.

      Indian Family Rescued In Abu Dhabi Fire

      JuD Chief Hafiz Saeed Tries To Woo Pakistani Sikhs Ahead Of General Election

      Saeed held a “special meeting” on Friday with a group of Pakistani Sikhs in Nankana Sahib where a large number of Sikhs reside.

      JuD Chief Hafiz Saeed Tries To Woo Pakistani Sikhs Ahead Of General Election

      Indian Girl, 3, Falls Into Pot Of Hot Gulab Jamun Syrup, Dies

      Indian Girl, 3, Falls Into Pot Of Hot Gulab Jamun Syrup, Dies
      The girl's family members, who are into the catering business, had boiled the sugar syrup in a big aluminum pot to prepare gulab jamuns.

      Indian Girl, 3, Falls Into Pot Of Hot Gulab Jamun Syrup, Dies

      As US Preps For Mega 'World Hindu Congress' Event, A Look At The Guest List

      As US Preps For Mega 'World Hindu Congress' Event, A Look At The Guest List
      The World Hindu Congress, from September 7 to 9, is being held to commemorate 125 years of Swami Vivekananda's historic Chicago address on September 11, 1893. The theme of the World Hindu Congress 2018 is "Sumantrite Suvikrante" -- think collectively, achieve valiantly.

      As US Preps For Mega 'World Hindu Congress' Event, A Look At The Guest List

      US Lawmakers Ask Trump Administration To Reconsider Its Decision On H4 Visas

      US Lawmakers Ask Trump Administration To Reconsider Its Decision On H4 Visas
      The lawmakers asserted that the existing H-4 rule was a matter of both economic competitiveness and maintaining family unity.

      US Lawmakers Ask Trump Administration To Reconsider Its Decision On H4 Visas

      PICS: Thousands Participate In Annual 'Sikh Day Parade' In New York

      PICS: Thousands Participate In Annual 'Sikh Day Parade' In New York
      Thousands of Sikhs in the US have participated in the annual 'Sikh Day Parade' in the heart of Manhattan here, spreading awareness about the faith amid incidents of hate crimes against the minority community.

      PICS: Thousands Participate In Annual 'Sikh Day Parade' In New York

      PrevNext