Concerns have been raised by a Labour MP regarding the treatment of British Sikhs at airports, prompting fears that security procedures may be swayed by Indian government interests.
Preet Gill, a key figure within the parliamentary Sikh community, has voiced her worries to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, drawing attention to reports from several British Sikhs who describe experiences of extensive questioning upon returning to the UK.
Concerns About Questioning Practices
Gill’s recent communications detail that many of these inquiries revolve around the longstanding discussions concerning Sikh demands for a homeland in South Asia.
Her concerns come at a time of increasing frustration among the British Sikh community over perceived intimidation tied to the Indian government.
This unrest is further fueled by escalating tensions between India and Canada, particularly after the controversial death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, which Canada alleges involved Indian operatives.
In her letter, Gill recounted troubling encounters from individuals who reached out to her.
One account described a Sikh man who was detained for hours at Manchester Airport after a family trip to Turkey.
During his interrogation, he faced invasive questions related to Sikhism, the partition of India, and the circumstances surrounding Nijjar’s death.
Disturbingly, he was subjected to rough treatment, including an attempt to forcibly remove his turban—a significant aspect of his faith.
Impact on the Sikh Community
Gill’s observations indicate a concerning trend; she believes that law-abiding Sikhs are being unjustly singled out for unwarranted inquiries that delve into their identity and beliefs.
The emotional impact on the community has been profound, and Gill emphasized the need for fair and dignified treatment of all individuals to preserve trust.
Despite these serious allegations, the Home Office has refrained from commenting.
Historically, the Indian government has viewed the Sikh nationalist movement—advocating for a Khalistan homeland in Punjab—as a major threat.
This movement has been associated with violence in the past, such as the tragic bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985, which resulted in the loss of 329 lives.
Currently, India’s apprehensions about the Sikh diaspora, particularly in the UK and North America, are growing, straining diplomatic relations.
Increased Scrutiny at Airports
The ongoing diplomatic rift between India and Canada has also intensified, especially following statements alleging that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in efforts to target and eliminate Sikh individuals living in Canada.
In the UK, the sudden death of Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda last June has brought further scrutiny regarding the treatment of Sikhs, especially after he reported harassment aimed at his family by Indian authorities in Punjab.
Moreover, community leaders and representatives have pointed out that British Sikhs are facing increased scrutiny at airports under the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows police to detain individuals without any prior suspicion.
Gurpreet Singh Anand, head of the Khalsa Jatha British Isles gurdwara in London, expressed concern over the invasive nature of these encounters.
He noted that individuals are often compelled to surrender their mobile devices and social media accounts while facing sweeping questions about their views on sensitive issues related to Khalistan and India.
In her letter to Cooper, Gill raised alarms over the specific nature of questioning occurring at various airports.
She suggested the possibility of an organized approach to target Sikhs in the UK, emphasizing the need to address these troubling practices.
Source: The Guardian
