LONDON, UK—Mark Francois, the Armed Forces minister has said in Parliament that Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Carter, the Chief of the General Staff is examining proposals to create a Sikh regiment.
He said the idea “may well have merit” and a reserve company is also under consideration that would inherit many of the “proud traditions of Sikh regiments” from the Army’s past.
Speaking during defence questions, Conservative former defence minister Sir Nicholas Soames urged ministers to “do away with political correctness” and raise a Sikh regiment.
The Mid Sussex MP told Mr Francois: “You will be aware of the extraordinary gallant and distinguished service by Sikhs to this country down the generations.
“Would you not agree with me that it’s high time to do away with the political correctness which infects some of this thinking and actually raise a Sikh regiment to serve in the country and make up a very serious gap in our Armed Forces?”
Mr Francois replied: “With regard to your specific suggestion, can I say that you are one of a number of Members of Parliament who have raised this suggestion with me recently.
“We have passed this possibility on to the chief of the general staff (CGS), who is now looking at this issue and we are awaiting CGS’s comments back.
“But the idea may well have merit.”
Conservative Rory Stewart, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, also asked Mr Francois to look at a Sikh company within the reserves “as a starting point”.
He added: “There seems to be much more possibility within the reserves to begin what seems like an excellent idea.”
Mr Francois replied: “I said earlier the idea may have merit but we’ve looked at one specific option, or are looking, at the possibility of a reserve company – not least one which would inherit many of the proud traditions of Sikh regiments going back through many years in the British Army.
“(Defence Minister Julian Brazier) is leading on that particular aspect and he too remains in contact with CGS on this matter.”
Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said:
“We welcome this announcement. It is a shame it has come so close to the General Election, but we will urge any future UK Government to make this a reality. Prince Charles confirmed his support to us a few months ago and it is good politicians are now beginning to see the logic. Better late than never.”
“We expect the Conservatives and Labour to make a number of other positive announcements in the next couple of months as they fight for Sikh votes. The Sikh Manifesto sets out many of the issues where we need progress.”
Totally disagree with this idea of a Sikh Regiment. Look at what happened in 1984 during operation blue star. Sikhs regiments were either sent away or they were forced to fight to destroy the Akal Takhat.
Take this same scenario where a Sikh regiment is sent out to war where they are asked to do something similar.
Sikhs need to learn to take the high road and stop bending over backwards to such ridiculous proposals. The British absolutely neither care about nor have any sympathy for Sikhs.
They have only used Sikhs as useful idiots to fight their various wars.
Having served both World Wars, what did we get from the British upon partition in 1947? Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre, partition of Punjab and collusion of British Government with Government of India to help “advise” on Operation Bluestar.
Sikhs please wake up and stop setting yourselves up to be used as pawns.
To a certain extent, yes. I wish to say if the British Army sets up a Sikh Regiment, it will be a proud for all the sikh all over the world. Remember our formation as Khalsa is only to protect the down trodden and needy. It indicates that Sikh and Khalsa will face challenges and where atrocities are taking place, they will be punished with the blessing of Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Maharaj. In my views it is the start of finishing the terror. We must support it and join hands for the happiness of the world and its peace loving peoples. My grandfather and many of our ancestors served during British regime in India and in battles away from Indian soil, I personally feel it will be good move.
I agree that what Margaret thatcher and her government did was wrong but as for 1947 the british tried to persuade the Sikhs master tara singh and others to take their own land and continue to join the british army as always and they would help our people but our foolish leaders of the time thought the british are trying to divide us from our so called hindu brother hence they refused so we can not lay the entire blame on the british our own people like baldev singh sold us to the congress.