Sikh Federation (UK)
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The Sikh Federation (UK) is a non-governmental organisation[1] that works with the main political parties to promote relevant Sikh issues.[2][3] The organisation is the largest pro-Khalistan organisation campaigning for the re-establishment of a Sikh homeland.[4]
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 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 organisation reached a significant milestone in September 2024 and announced an exciting re-organisation and expansion with a new 15-member National Executive of British born Sikhs.
There are now five Lead Executives with specific responsibilities to progress its strategy that has been developed over the summer and approved by a 7-member Strategy Board.
In 2018, India asked UK to ban SFUK for its anti-India, pro-Khalistan activities, including proscribing the organisation.[7]
Leadership
[edit]Since September 2024 the organisation has had a 7-member Strategy Board and regional by a 15-member National Executive Team with five Lead Executives
APPG
[edit]The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs is currently chaired by Jas Athwal MP. The Sikh Federation (UK) has been the APPG’s secretariat since July 2005.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Sikh Federation UK:About Us". sikhfeduk.com. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
- ^ "British Sikhs form party". BBC. September 2003. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
- ^ Dominic Casciani (13 September 2003). "British Sikhs find voice in political party". BBC. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
- ^ a b Ram, Vidya (26 July 2018). "Census category calls divide Britain's Sikh community". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "About Us". Sikh Federation UK. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ^ admin (23 April 2022). "UK Sikh groups criticise Boris Johnson agenda to "help India" with "Khalistani extremists" | SikhPA". Retrieved 2022-05-16.
- ^ "Consider banning Sikh Federation, India tells UK". The Tribune. 14 January 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.