Thursday, February 12, 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

      Oxford Graduate Loses Legal Bid Against His Varsity Over Poor Teaching

      Oxford Graduate Loses Legal Bid Against His Varsity Over Poor Teaching
      A former Oxford University student, believed to be of Indian-origin, has lost his claim of one million pounds in damages from the prestigious institution for its alleged poor teaching in his specialist Indian subject.

      Oxford Graduate Loses Legal Bid Against His Varsity Over Poor Teaching

      StatCan Survey Reveals Canadians Pay Less Than $7 A Gram For Marijuana

      StatCan Survey Reveals Canadians Pay Less Than $7 A Gram For Marijuana
      A Statistics Canada study suggests that Canadians on average pay less than $7 a gram for marijuana.

      StatCan Survey Reveals Canadians Pay Less Than $7 A Gram For Marijuana

      India Could Be Behind Killing Of Chinese National In Pakistan: Minister

      Pakistan’s Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday alleged that India could be involved in the targeted killing of a Chinese national in Karachi, media reports said.

      India Could Be Behind Killing Of Chinese National In Pakistan: Minister

      Gas Station Owned By Sikh Vandalised With Racial Slur

      Gas Station Owned By Sikh Vandalised With Racial Slur
      A gas station owned by a Sikh in the US state of Kentucky has been vandalised by a masked man with racist slurs and vulgar phrases, according to media reports.

      Gas Station Owned By Sikh Vandalised With Racial Slur

      Republican Hindu Coalition-Backed Candidate Disqualified In Congressional Primary Poll

      Republican Hindu Coalition-Backed Candidate Disqualified In Congressional Primary Poll
      A candidate backed by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC), Vandana Jhingan, who wanted to challenge an Indian Democratic Congressman is off the primary ballot after officials said they found irregularities in her nominating petition.

      Republican Hindu Coalition-Backed Candidate Disqualified In Congressional Primary Poll

      Self-Styled 'Godman' Held From Uttar Pradesh Ashram, 6 Girls Rescued

      Self-Styled 'Godman' Held From Uttar Pradesh Ashram, 6 Girls Rescued
      Five people, including Prasad, have been arrested from the ashram from where six minor girls have been freed and sent to Bal Kalyan Samiti for counselling, the magistrate said.

      Self-Styled 'Godman' Held From Uttar Pradesh Ashram, 6 Girls Rescued

      PrevNext