Alleged Intimidation Campaign Against Sikh Diaspora: India’s Role Under Scrutiny

In recent times, a disturbing pattern of threats and violence against anti-India/pro-Khalistan activists within the Sikh diaspora has emerged, with fingers pointed directly at the Government of India and its intelligence agency, RAW. Incidents such as the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, revelations by the US Department of Justice about an Indian government official plotting to assassinate a Sikh activist in New York City, and the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Khanda in Birmingham, UK, all suggest a coordinated effort involving Indian authorities.

The individuals targeted in these incidents were reportedly on a hit list that was publicized on news channels in India, raising concerns about the direct involvement of the Indian government and RAW in orchestrating these threats to the lives of activists critical of India’s policies.

The gravity of the situation has prompted a response from various quarters. A cross-party group of Labour MPs has penned a letter to Mr. Tom Tugendhat, the Minister of State for Security, expressing their concerns over the safety of Sikh constituents and seeking reassurance from the UK government. The letter underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the threats faced by Sikh activists and their communities on a global scale.

Adding to the chorus of concern, Michael Polak, a human rights barrister, has written to Mr. James Cleverly, the UK’s Home Secretary, urging a comprehensive investigation into the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Khanda. Polak speculates that Khanda may have been exposed to lethal radiation as part of an operation to eliminate individuals deemed enemies of the Indian state.

Further spotlighting the alleged human rights violations committed by Indian state forces, especially during the Sikh Genocide of 1984, retired Justice Anup Singh Choudry has authored a book titled ‘From Genocide to Self-Determination – The Sikh Case.’ The book narrates the harrowing tales of atrocities inflicted upon the Sikh Nation and calls attention to the need for justice.

The international community is urged to take note of these developments, as concerns grow regarding the safety and security of Sikh activists living outside India. The accusations of RAW’s involvement in orchestrating threats and violence against dissenting voices within the Sikh diaspora add a layer of complexity to the ongoing dialogue surrounding human rights violations in the region. The need for a transparent and impartial investigation into these allegations is increasingly pressing to ensure the protection of individuals expressing their views on the global stage.