A Sikh activist in the UK, Paramjeet Singh Pamma, has been advised by police to enhance his home security due to threats from Hindu nationalist groups. This news comes as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between the Indian government and the Sikh nationalist movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state, known as Khalistan.
Singh Pamma, 52, revealed that he had been personally visited by police and advised to take measures such as installing security cameras and reinforcing door locks. He believes these threats are linked to the Indian government and accuses UK ministers of downplaying the issue of transnational repression by India.
The activist's claims are supported by recent reports from MI5, which highlight an increase in foreign governments targeting dissidents on UK soil. The joint committee on human rights has listed India as a country of concern, alongside China and Russia, in its 2024-25 report on transnational repression.
Singh Pamma's situation is further complicated by the UK's pursuit of a closer relationship with Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government, which is seen as a key partner to counter China's growing influence. This political alignment has led to concerns about the safety of Sikh nationalists in the UK.
"The repression we face is relentless and has now crossed borders, affecting our families. It's basically terror orchestrated by the Indian government," Singh Pamma stated, explaining the impact of these threats on his life.
The activist's concerns are not isolated. Another Sikh nationalist based in the UK, Gurcharan Singh, has also received similar warnings from UK police about credible threats to his safety. Singh, who resides in Slough, has a private security team and is regularly visited by officers.
"The UK government seems to be aware of the threats but is adopting a diplomatic approach, waiting for the right moment to use it as political leverage rather than prioritizing our safety," Singh commented.
The Indian government's long-standing concerns about the Sikh nationalist movement, which is largely led by the diaspora, have resulted in a series of incidents and allegations. In 1985, Khalistani militants were responsible for the worst act of aviation terrorism before 9/11, when a bomb smuggled on board Air India flight 182 killed all 329 passengers and crew. Singh Pamma, who has been accused of fundraising for Babbar Khalsa International, the group believed to be behind the bombing, denies the allegations and welcomes any inquiries.
The activist's personal experiences of threats and intimidation since moving to the UK are alarming. He has received threatening phone calls and, in one instance, visitors with guns arrived at his home in broad daylight. In another incident, a group of men visited his family home, broke the windows of his wife's car, and shouted his name while his children watched from upstairs.
The sudden death of another Sikh activist, Avtar Singh Khanda, in 2023, has also raised concerns. Khanda had complained of harassment by Indian police, and a pathologist's report found that poisoning could not be completely excluded as a cause of death.
"I feel the UK government is not doing enough. Canada and the US took significant steps in similar cases. What inquiries are they conducting in Mr. Khanda's case? It's been nearly three years, and we're still waiting for answers," Singh Pamma questioned.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics between the UK, India, and the Sikh nationalist movement, with questions arising about the balance between diplomatic relations and the safety of individuals.
What are your thoughts on this delicate issue? Should the UK government prioritize diplomatic relations or the safety of its citizens facing transnational threats?
