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Sikh Federation (UK)

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The Sikh Federation (UK) describes itself as a non-governmental organisation[1] that works with the main political parties to promote relevant Sikh issues.[2][3] The organisation is a major pro-Khalistan organisation and supports Khalistani secessionist activities.[4]

Sikh Federation (UK)

It is a pressure group often referred to as the first Sikh political party in the United Kingdom. SFUK says that it is based on the 'miri-piri' principle: the Sikh principle that temporal and spiritual goals are indivisible.[5]

The group have also criticised a claim by Boris Johnson that “UK Khalistanis” may be “threatening” India. During his much vaunted trip to India in April 2022, UK Conservative government Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the two nations had agreed to set up an “anti-extremist taskforce” to tackle “Khalistani extremists” that were “threatening India”.[6]

The British Sikh Association defied the Sikh Federation UK for its demand for an independent state for the Sikhs after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that his government does not support the Khalistan movement. It further alleges Sikh Federation UK, which is allegedly working on the behest of Pakistan's secret agency ISI.[7]

SFUK's most prominent spokesperson Dabinderjit Singh Sidhu's nomination to the House of Lords (HOL) was withdrawn after it was known that he and SFUK has been a key supporter of the Khalistani extremist movement and he is the principal advisor to Sikh Federation, UK (SFUK). He is also part of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs on behalf of Sikh Federation UK and is known to be closely associated with MPs Preet Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.[8]

The organisation was established in September 2003 with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in mainstream politics in the UK. The leadership of Sikh Federation is almost entirely made from former members of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). In 2018, India asked UK to ban SFUK for its anti-India, pro-Khalistan activities, including proscribing the organisation. The group is a successor to the International Sikh Youth Federation, which remains banned as a terrorist organisation in several countries.[9]

The International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) is a proscribed organisation that aims to establish an independent homeland for the Sikhs of India in Khalistan.[1] It is banned as a terrorist organisation under Australian, European Union,[2] Japanese,[3] Indian,[4] Canadian[5] and American[6] counter-terrorism legislation.[7] The Government of India has declared it a terrorist organisation.[8]

Leadership

As of August 9 Amrik Singh Gill was the Chairman of the Sikh Federation (UK).[10]

The Sikh Federation UK has a 15-member executive panel that manages and drives the SFUK agenda and activities, supported by a national and regional structure with local membership. The Federation's most prominent spokesman is Dabinderjit Singh.[11]

APPG

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs is currently chaired by Britain’s Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill. Sikh Federation (UK) is the APPG’s secretariat.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Sikh Federation UK:About Us". sikhfeduk.com. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  2. ^ "British Sikhs form party". BBC. September 2003. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  3. ^ Dominic Casciani (13 September 2003). "British Sikhs find voice in political party". BBC. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  4. ^ a b Ram, Vidya (26 July 2018). "Census category calls divide Britain's Sikh community". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  5. ^ "About Us". Sikh Federation UK. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  6. ^ admin. "UK Sikh groups criticise Boris Johnson agenda to "help India" with "Khalistani extremists" | SikhPA". Retrieved 2022-05-16.
  7. ^ "British Sikh Association hits hard on pro-Khalistan supporters".
  8. ^ DelhiDecember 24, Geeta Mohan New; December 24, 2020UPDATED; Ist, 2020 18:02. "UK drops nomination of pro-Khalistan leader to House of Lords ahead of Boris Johnson's India visit". India Today. Retrieved 2022-09-15. {{cite web}}: |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Consider banning Sikh Federation, India tells UK". The Tribune. 14 January 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  10. ^ "Sikhs call for new us foreign policy direction with election of Senator Obama". sikhfederation.com. 18 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  11. ^ "ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, CIVIL". BBC News. 16 June 2000. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
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