UPDATE: Local media have confirmed that the FBI are now investigating this incident as a possible anti-Sikh hate crime.

An anti-Khalistan (free Sikh homeland) demonstration held by Indian ultranationalists in Norwich (Connecticut, USA) could result in anti-Sikh “hate crimes” according to locals.

On 12th November a truck fitted with digital screens stationed itself drove through downtown Norwich displaying an image of a man with an Islamic style turban holding a gun and ammunition. Statements on the truck associated support for Khalistan (a free Sikh homeland) with “terrorism” which is “Pakistan sponsored”. Local Sikhs are concerned this public labelling of Sikhs as terrorists, linked with an Islamic nation and a provocative image, could result in “hate crimes”.

Multiple Sikhs in the USA have previously been killed and attacked for an assumption the faith’s physical identity – wearing of the dastaar (Sikh turban) and keeping of kes (unshorn hair) – is related to Islamic extremism.

The displays shown outside City Hall directly addressed Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom, asking him not to “support” or “promote” Khalistan, even though there has been no official support for Khalistan from Mayor Nystrom, who has simply allowed space for local Sikhs to mark their support for this movement. Countless Sikhs are in favor of the pursuit of Khalistan, a movement which became a cemented aim for many within the Sikh nation after the Indian state facilitated Sikh genocide from 1984 onwards. An estimated 300,000+ Sikhs have voted in a non-binding democratic Khalistan Referendum campaign which has been held in the UK, Italy and Canada since 2021. Many Gurdwaras and Sikh events the world over regularly feature support for Khalistan. Last year Canadian journalist Terry Milewski, known to regurgitate Indian ultranationalist propaganda claiming the Khalistan movement is a “project” of Pakistan, was forced to admit he had “no evidence” this was true despite his various works publicizing the theory, highlighting the absurdity of the claim.

In India, support for Khalistan has been criminalized. As such, American Sikh groups across the USA have been using freedom of speech to support this movement in the USA, resulting in their targeting by ultranationalist Indian groups and individuals in the country.

The incident, which local Sikhs say is part of an ongoing “defamation and disinformation campaign”, is certain to have been carried out by Indian ultranationalists upset with local government’s growing relationship with Norwich’s Sikhs, led by respected community figure Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, an elected City Council Member of Norwich. Since 2014, Swaranjit Singh has helped Norwich city council hold various events furthering understanding of the Sikh faith and Sikh history. This has even led to the state of Connecticut formally recognizing Sikh occasions like “Sikh Declaration of Independence Day” and the “Sikh genocide” through state legislature. This work of Swaranjit Singh and the support of Connecticut government has been applauded by Sikh groups across the world.

1. A #Sikh friend from #Norwich #Connecticut sent me these photos. Apparently, an Indian American Sikh group made a digital presentation in front of the Norwich City Hall against Mayor Peter A Nystrom, accusing him of supporting and promoting supporters of #Khalistan terror group pic.twitter.com/fNxvzq6c0v

— South Asian Minorities Collective (@MinoritiesSouth) November 15, 2022

These acts have upset Indian ultranationalist groups in the USA and overseas, as they expose the countless human rights abuses and fascism of the Indian state through American legislature, leading to even consulate figures attempting to destroy this grassroots relationship Sikh groups are building with local government. America is not the only country where India’s ultranationalism has been exported to, with global evidence being found to suggest the issue – through the form of Hindutva (Hindu extremism) – has reached the shores of Canada, the UK and Australia, where Sikh activists are often targeted for silencing in similar ways.

The truck displays featured the name “United Sikhs of New England”. NOTE – It is confirmed this group has nothing to do with world renowned Sikh charity UNITED SIKHS.

American Sikh groups and New England sangat (Sikh congregation) speaking to Sikh PA have shared that they are completely unaware of the existence of an organization with this name, leading many to speculate it is a made-up name for an organization designed to make it seem like the anti-Sikh display outside City Hall was done by other Sikhs. It is a common tactic of Indian ultranationalists to feign Sikh identity to push an anti-Khalistan narrative. Through the Hindutva ideology, Indian ultranationalists do also believe the Sikh faith falls under the umbrella of Hinduism.

Investigations have traced the trucks used for the anti-Sikh display back to a media agency called Boost Outdoor Media, whose manager is Durga Aluri, a person with a name of Hindu origin. A staff member of the media agency refused to reveal any information about who funded the display to local Sikhs attempting to get to the bottom of the dangerous stunt.

Speaking about the issue, Swaranjit Singh said:

“American Sikhs across our nation have been working hard to authentically engage with local government, as seen with the recent Texas Sikh genocide commemoration. In particular, we Sikhs here in Connecticut have found a great friend in our local government. Unfortunately, Indian ultranationalists wish to export their fascism to the USA to destroy this relationship.

“What happened last week outside Norwich City Hall is dangerous and must be investigated by local authorities. If we see any hate crimes carried out on Sikhs in these areas, those behind these anti-Sikh messages will have blood on their hands. They have labelled us terrorists and pushed misinformation about our community initiatives. This could have violent consequences towards Sikhs. As such, local authorities must investigate this issue.

“I challenge those behind the display to actually come out and have a public discussion with us about this issue which we can invite the Norwich public to, and they can decide if Sikhs should be allowed to continue to engage with local government about our issues and history. Until then, I hope the people of Connecticut will continue to support its growing Sikh community and not fall for these divisive tactics.”

There has not yet been any official comment on the issue from Mayor Peter Nystrom or any Connecticut state figures.

Respected UK Sikh community figure Dabinderjit Singh has revealed allegations of a “large cash donation” made to Labour Friends Of India to build support against his selection into the House of Lords.

The revelation came via social media, as part of Sikh Federation UK advisor Dabinderjit Singh’s campaign to expose the “appalling treatment” which led to his removal from the Labour Party’s peerage list. Prominent political journalist Robert Peston tweeted that Singh’s removal was linked to “his support for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan”.

Haters/racists got officials in @Keir_Starmer’s office & @cabinetofficeuk to ignore @BorisJohnson recommendation & HM Queen’s @RoyalFamily approval of peerage. There was talk of large cash donation to @LFINupdates “cash to stop a peerage” that’s been referred to @metpoliceuk . 11 pic.twitter.com/gthiKtlRfb

— Dabinderjit Singh (@Dabinderjit) November 6, 2022

In 2020, Labour Party seniors confirmed to Dabinderjit Singh he would be nominated for a peerage (meaning Singh would become a Lord of UK Parliament’s House of Lords). His nomination was widely expected after over 33 years at the National Audit Office in a role equivalent to a senior civil servant, whilst playing an important role in Govt-Sikh relations for decades, as well as working within the Sikh community on issues from kakkar (the Ks of the Sikh Amritdhari [initiated] identity) rights to political prisoner support.

Due to the Indian state’s rabid anti-Khalistan position, which is venomously echoed by fanatical ultranationalists, there is a strong belief among many Sikhs the opposition to Dabinderjit Singh’s selection to the House of Lords would have come from this direction. The notion someone is a supporter of Khalistan is often attached to support for basic Sikh human rights campaigns regarding India, such as recognition of and justice for the Sikh Genocide and also the ongoing arbitrary imprisonment of countless Sikh political prisoners. The “Khalistani” label is used by India to stifle such talk by claiming Khalistanis (supporters of Khalistan) threaten the stability of India. As such, the outcome of police investigations into the alleged cash donation made to Labour Friends of India will be greatly anticipated by Sikhs across the world.

Dabinderjit Singh is currently taking the issue up legally, with police investigations into his allegations ongoing. Dabinderjit Singh has also record shows on the anti-Sikh rhetoric which is believed to be behind his deselection for the House of Lords for Sikh UK TV channels the Sikh Channel and Akaal Channel.

Speaking on the situation, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said:

“Given the fallout of the situation, many Sikhs will not be surprised to learn of the possible involvement of an ‘Indian’ organisation regarding Dabinderjit Singh’s deselection for the House of Lords. However, this does prompt very serious questions about the covert influence Indian ultranationalism is having on UK politics.

“Through the Sikh Federation UK, Dabinderjit Singh has been vocal on a number of issues important to the Sikh communities of the UK. It will be fatally damaging to the relationship between British Sikhs and the UK government if it were to become clear that a Sikh that works to support grassroots community issues in such a way could never be selected into the House of Lords. For this reason, the Labour Party and the UK government as a whole must be clear on what happened regarding Dabinderjit Singh’s deselection to the House of Lords.”

You can follow Dabinderjit Singh’s updates on this ongoing story via his Twitter account. The Sikh Press Association will provide updates on this story as they come in.

A series of viral incidents exposing the exploitation of recent Sikh migrants in the UK has led to a meeting being organised in Southall (West London) for this Sunday.

The meeting held collaboratively between community group Sikh Youth UK and educational outlet Basics Of Sikhi at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Park Avenue Gurdwara will revolve around what issues the migrants – who are mainly from Punjab and on student visas – suffer with, and what can be done by the general Sikh community to support them.

The meeting comes after several videos showed the migrants being exploited by employers and landlords, with one even displaying a man being violently abused whilst held against their will. Another showing a young Sikh woman stating she was being groomed into prostitution also sent shockwaves through the community. NOTE- Due to possible legal implications and to respect the privacy of those that suffered, Sikh PA will not be sharing the actual videos.

This past weekend a protest was held outside the home of an employer that was involved in one such incident, with 100+ people gathering to demand action. During the protest UK community figure and respected activist Jaspreet Singh called for a return to traditional Sikh leadership and decision-making decisions to help the community deal with such issues and provide support for those being targeted.

The issue of exploitation of “Sikh students” is not new. Earlier this year several Sikh orgs collaborated to create a “Punjab International Student Support Network”. You can hear Jaspreet Singh talk about this through an interview with BBC WM Radio we arranged earlier this year.

Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said of the issue:

“It is well known that recent migrants are vulnerable to exploitation due to lack of awareness of their rights, particularly those on student visas who rely on universities and employers to ensure their stay in the UK. It seems this issue is getting worse as the cost of living crisis deepens, with more examples of exploitation and abuse doing the rounds in Sikh circles through social media.

“The national meeting in Southall this Sunday aims to bring the Sikh community together to support those being targeted, with basic actions to be implemented that will help keep those that are vulnerable to exploitation safe.

“It is important to note that this is not simply a UK issue. Sikh communities in the USA and Canada have also highlighted and worked against this issue. The Naujawan Support Network in the Ontario area of Canada is a particularly clear example of the community action being taken to tackle this problem, and it seems inevitable similar organisations will be set-up in other Sikh diaspora populated areas.”

UK Sikh groups and individuals are calling for the Labour Party to remove Virendra Sharma from his long-serving role as MP of Southall after he was filmed spewing anti-Sikh insults towards a respected community figure.

@Keir_Starmer @UKLabour this is a pathetic statement from @VirendraSharma He lies to defend his actions. This is what he said about our Guru given Sikh identity. He has failed to apologise for his deeply offensive comments & attempts to give his perverse interpretation of Sikhi https://t.co/ZwhAmy5TRt pic.twitter.com/x0SWyC1nPq

— Sikh Federation (UK) (@SikhFedUK) October 10, 2022

Sharma was filmed insulting UK Sikh community figure Sukhbir Singh Bassi. His bigotry has led to a petition demanding he is removed as MP for his actions garnering over 1500 signatures in under a week and a protest outside his Southall office being scheduled for the 17th of October. The Sikh Federation UK have directly called for Labour to act, pointing out the party recently suspended MP Rupa Huq for alleged anti-black comments just last week, yet have not even acknowledged complaints about Sharma.

The incident occurred on 2nd October when Sharma was in attendance at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Gurdwara elections event at Khalsa Primary School. Sharma was approached by respected Sukhbir Singh Bassi, a sevadaar (selfless servant) that has been helping to run children’s fitness classes at Barking Gurdwara for years, as well as being involved in various other seva (selfless service) efforts for decades. In a filmed interaction, Bassi can be seen standing with Sharma, speaking with him in polite tone, hands joined prayer style in a sign of respect as per South Asian culture as he said the following (translated from Punjabi and summarised):

“It’s nice to see an MP come and stand with the community leaders. But my personal view is that our community wants those that are our MPs, when they leave our Gurdwaras where they come to get votes, please don’t mind me putting you on the spot (note: at this point Sharma responds ‘I don’t mind at all’)...we want them (MPs) to talk about issues like the farmers protest, our people dying in India… talk about these things in parliament. You have come here to vote (in the Gurdwara elections), but whoever you vote for will upset the other party. Please don’t mind me saying, you are our Siyana (respected elder). We would like to see you stay neutral and also vocalise our issues in parliament.”

In an irrational display of anger, Sharma reacted by aggressively retorting to Bassi saying he has a right to be at the Gurdwara election, before insulting the Sikhi (following of Sikh faith) of Sukhbir Singh Bassi by saying “growing a beard does not make you Sikh” in Punjabi. The Sikh faith mandates the keeping of kes (unshorn hair) as part of the journey of Sikhi, and Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs will never trim hair in any circumstances. Sharma’s comment is a lowbrow insult sometimes made towards kesdhari (those keeping unshorn hair) Sikhs which is derogatory to both the individual it is aimed at and also the faith itself. After Sharma’s bigotry towards Bassi, a bystander responded by questioning why Sharma would bring up Bassi’s beard, before also insulting the MP. It must be noted the bystander is not anyone viewed as a community figure in Sikh circles, and seemed to simply be angrily responding to Sharma’s bigot insults towards East London based community leader Bassi.

The work of groups like the Sikh Federation UK to have Sikh legally classified as an ethnic group has partial basis in physical visible differences between Sikhs and other ethnic groups, such as the maintaining of kes. As such, many Sikhs are stating that Sharma’s comments are completely racist, whilst others have simply labelled them anti-Sikh and bigoted.

Uncle Bassi (the one questioning MP Sharma) is a respected community figure. For simply asking @VirendraSharma politely to represent Sikh issues (since he's at a Sikh event) in Parliament, Sharma says to him "you're not a real Sikh".

DISGUSTING!@UKLabour must act. #SackSharma https://t.co/9pRsdXMxF5

— Jasveer Singh (@JazzTheJourno) October 3, 2022

It is believed Sharma’s tirade partly came from the fact he may have broken rules by voting in the Gurdwara elections as a follower of the Hindu faith, which he has openly proclaimed in his role as vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus, leading to Satish Sharma of the National Council of Hindu Temples UK once stating that Virendra Sharma “politically flaunts Hindu Brahmin credentials to garner support from British Hindus”. Brahmin is largely regarded as the highest caste of the Hindu faith caste system, and India’s oppression of minorities is considered to partly come from Brahmin ideology. The Gurdwara election constitution prohibits anyone but Sikhs from voting. It is unclear why and how Sharma was allowed to vote, which he has stated he did.

Sharma, who has been MP for 15 years in Labour stronghold Southall, previously came under fire from many UK Sikhs for portraying himself as an expert on the Sikh faith and attempting to dismiss allegations of India’s torture of Scottish Sikh political prisoner Jagtar Singh Johal, whilst he later also failed to sign an MP letter of support for Jaggi. Sharma has faced criticism from many Southall locals for his lack of engagement with and action on community issues, such as the Clean Air for Southall and Heston group who campaign against property developers polluting the town. In 2019 Sharma’s “stance on a number of political and international issues, such as his position on issues relating to Kashmir and India-Pakistan bilateral” was said to be behind a “no confidence vote” motioned against him according to Indian media.

I don't believe I see @VirendraSharma on this list. Sikhs in Southall you are NOT in good hands. That is huge considering the background of that MP. Virendra Sharma. Unbelievable. Anti-Sikh sentiments are not made up. #FreeJaggiNow https://t.co/8BxNNbZ2go

— Amandip Kaur (@AKaur47) August 5, 2020

The Sikh Federation UK have now openly said they are “encouraging constituents to write to MPs demanding action from Keir Starmer against Virendra Sharma” due to his “pathetic statement full of lies and misrepresentations to defend his racist remarks.”

@SikhFedUK is encouraging constituents to write to MPs demanding action from @Keir_Starmer against @VirendraSharma or @UKLabour will be accused of institutionalised racism. Sharma has put out a pathetic statement full of lies & misrepresentations to defend his racist remarks. pic.twitter.com/KLVZ9005rX

— Sikh Federation (UK) (@SikhFedUK) October 11, 2022

Given the magnitude of Sikh upset at Sharma’s insults towards Sukhbir Singh Bassi, an official Labour Party response is expected shortly. The Sikh Press Association will provide updates on the situation when possible.

Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman has been found to be taking money from organisations that support Hindutva (Hindu extremist) groups BJP and the RSS, confirming a long-held belief in Sikh activist circles.

Blackman has been found to have taken at least £22k from “organisations tied to Hindutva militants” according to a Byline Times investigation released this week. Blackman has been called out by Sikhs in recent times for regurgitating Indian state propaganda on both the #FarmersProtest in 2021 and the #FreeJaggiNow issue just last month.

"British MP put out false claims about India's farm laws. So, we confronted him."

How far will the influence of India and other states go in dictating British Politics! 🇬🇧@TomTugendhat @coyleneil@StewartMcDonald @AndrewRosindell @IoWBobSeelyhttps://t.co/4q85Tt6zrZ

— Sikh Council UK | ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਯੂ.ਕੇ | सिख कौंसिल यू (@SCUKofficial) February 11, 2021

Blackman is the MP for Harrow East. Harrow is an area some refer to as “mini-Gujarat”, due to its demographics which includes a significant Hindu community. Notorious Indian nationalist far-right figures MP Priti Patel and India’s PM Narendra Modi are of Gujarati origin, with Modi once being Chief Minister of the state, during a period which also saw him oversee the infamous anti-Muslim Gujarat massacres, leading to him being banned from entering many countries in the west. Modi heads India’s ultra-fascist BJP party and is also a member of Hindutva paramilitary extremist group RSS, a group that Priti Patel has openly supported, part of the reason she is viewed by many as anti-Sikh.

The Byline Times investigation found Blackman had taken “donations” from the likes of the Indian High Commission of the UK, Sewa International (the charity branch of the RSS) and the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre (a group affiliated with the Overseas Friends of the BJP group).

As mentioned, for years Sikh activists in the UK have stated Blackman’s influence from Indian nationalist groups is obvious, especially given his cartoonish support of the BJP (see video below). This is believed to have been behind his sharing of a factsheet on the #FarmersProtest which was pushing an Indian State narrative, as well as his comments reminding parliament that Scottish Sikh political prisoner Jagtar ‘Jaggi’ Singh Johal was allegedly a member of a Khalistan group banned in India, leading to Jaggi’s local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes to state Blackman was acting as a “spokesperson for a foreign country” (India).

And here is Bob Blackman (CON) campaigning for a BJP victory in 2019 pic.twitter.com/a86Jc6KCbK

— Dhruv Haria (@DhruvHFilm) September 22, 2022

Speaking on the issue, Sikh Press Association Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said “Sikh activist circles have noted obvious Indian state influence in UK politics for years. Often this works through not only open support for India’s fascist politicians and national groups, but also in condemnation of Sikh activism, both of which Blackman has displayed.

“The findings on Blackman will thus not be surprising to many in the community. However, it is important to note the trade deals the UK has with India extends this influence through all of British politics to some extent or another, whether it can be provable through donations or not. Sikh activist circles recognise this influence regardless, largely because it is used to push a ‘Sikh extremism’ narrative which validates the UK’s targeting of Sikh activists, evident through the #WestMidlands3 case and more.”