The pro-Khalistan movement is stoking division among sectors of the British Sikh community, the British government reported on Wednesday. Penned by Colin Bloom, Independent Faith Engagement advisor, the study notes that a “a small, extremely vocal and aggressive minority of British Sikhs” are promoting an ethno-nationalist agenda and inciting violence and intimidation.
Hijacking the Sikh Faith
Quoting a critic of the pro-Khalistan movement, the report noted that the activists are “hijacking” the Sikh faith for their own nationalistic ends. Bloom observed that while the movement wants to create an independent state of Khalistan in the Indian state of Punjab, it does not make any territorial claims for Pakistani Punjab.
“It is not entirely clear if the motivation for these extremists is faith-based or not,” the study said.
While noting that peaceful activism is fine and a healthy debate over the topic of a “Sikh homeland” should prevail, Bloom criticised the movement for using physical, psychological, and political coercion, as well as abuse, to further its interests.
Tiny Minority, Disproportionate Attention
According to the report, even though pro-Khalistan activists are a “tiny minority” of the British Sikh community, their actions attract “disproportionate amounts of attention” and stoke divisions in sectors of Sikh communities. It revealed that some of these groups or individuals “artificially inflate their influence and legitimise dubious positions or tactics by using the ‘Sikh’ label to lobby political bodies.”
— Inter Faith Network (@IFNetUK) April 26, 2023
It further underscored that some groups “circumvent democratic order” to compete for political power and “masquerade” as human rights groups and activists, thereby “presenting a false appearance of legitimacy.”
Recommendations
The report called on the British government to “clearly define and investigate extremist activity” within the Sikh community. It urged the government to take a more “nuanced and comprehensive understanding of subversive and sectarian Sikh extremist activity.”
“This will require improving faith literacy across government and the parliamentary estate, particularly on intra-faith issues, so government can be more discerning regarding engagement and representation within British Sikh communities,” the report stated.
Attack on the Indian High Commission
The report comes as ties between India and the UK have been tense since pro-Khalistan activists attacked the Indian High Commission in London in March. They also pulled down the Indian flag at the mission during the attack.
Since March, Indian authorities have arrested over 100 supporters of Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, who had been absconding for days and was only recently arrested. Amritpal is accused of working with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and terrorist groups in foreign countries.
Pro-Khalistan groups in several Western countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, have launched protests against the Indian government’s “crackdown” in Punjab.