Wednesday, February 11, 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

      Commonwealth Chief Lauds India, Says It Sets Examples For Others To Emulate

      Commonwealth Chief Lauds India, Says It Sets Examples For Others To Emulate
      The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace

      Commonwealth Chief Lauds India, Says It Sets Examples For Others To Emulate

      'I Had No Idea': Trump Says He Made Up Facts About Trade In Meeting With Justin Trudeau

      'I Had No Idea': Trump Says He Made Up Facts About Trade In Meeting With Justin Trudeau
      U.S. President Donald Trump boasted in a fundraising speech that he made up details about trade in a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to a recording of the comments.

      'I Had No Idea': Trump Says He Made Up Facts About Trade In Meeting With Justin Trudeau

      UK To Raise With India Concern Over British Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal Held In Punjab Jail

      The UK government has said that it will raise concerns around the case of a British Sikh being held in a maximum-security jail in Punjab at "senior levels" in India.      

      UK To Raise With India Concern Over British Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal Held In Punjab Jail

      Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Passes 'Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017'

      Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Passes 'Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017'
      A provincial assembly in Pakistan on Wednesday created history by unanimously passing a bill that will provide legal status to Sikh marriages in the Muslim-majority country.

      Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Passes 'Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017'

      Indian-American Woman Academic Renu Khator Awarded In US

      Indian-American Woman Academic Renu Khator Awarded In US
      The award is bestowed annually to acknowledge the substantial role of mentors in the success of the council's fellows program participants.

      Indian-American Woman Academic Renu Khator Awarded In US

      Indian PM, President To Get Their Own Planes By Early 2020

      Indian PM, President To Get Their Own Planes By Early 2020
      Two Boeing 777-300 ERs, bought by Air India recently, will be retrofitted to have VIP enclosures, a press conference room and a patient transport unit for medical emergencies.

      Indian PM, President To Get Their Own Planes By Early 2020

      PrevNext