Indian media accuses Sikh humanitarian charity of “profiting from Khalistan agenda”

Various Sikh charities including the award-winning humanitarian organisation Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) were named among “radical” Sikh groups that an Indian news outlet has claimed is “profiting” from the Khalistan movement.

An online news article (which we will not share) claimed that various Sikh organisations that are competing for control of the management of Gurdwaras in the UK are using the Khalistan agenda as a “profitable business venture”.

The report cited “an officer working in a security establishment” who claimed that the groups need to keep the Khalistan agenda alive for their own survival. It named MLSS, Sikh2inspire, British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS) as examples of “benign” charities that fundraise in name of seva (selfless service) and charity, and attract youth to their perception of Sikh values.

The unfounded accusation has disappointed many in the UK, where such charities are known only for their sterling work in helping the community all year round, but particularly during the COVID19 pandemic. MLSS in particular has been working tirelessly during this state of worldwide emergency, cooking and delivering food to the homeless community, the elderly, people who are self-isolating, NHS staff and other vulnerable groups.

“I am appalled to see MLSS’ name tarnished like this,” MLSS co-founder Randhir Singh.

“All we have ever done, even through the COVID19 pandemic, is continue the Sikh practice of langar to serve anyone that needs food. We currently serve near 40,000 plus meals 7 days a week on the streets of the UK. We have never been involved in any political activity.”

“The article just shows how that Indian media do not care who they throw under the bus as long as they can undermine Sikh activism. It is a great shame Sikhs have to face such tarnishing and we support all groups named in the article too.”

The Khalistani movement refers to a struggle among Sikhs for a separate homeland, following injustices committed against the Sikh community, such as the 1984 state-supported Sikh genocide and subsequent police encounters, in which tens of thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives.