LONDON, UK—Yesterday prominent Sikh organisations, Gurdwaras from across the UK and the youth gathered at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Havelock Road, Southall to discuss the Sikh response and plan of action for the visit to the UK of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in mid-November.In what could prove to be a historic move all Sikh organisations, Gurdwaras and the youth unanimously endorsed the detailed strategy prepared and presented by the Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO). Those gathered had different political perspectives yet they were all impressed with the proposed strategy without a single voice of dissent. Even those with limited ambitions for the Sikh community and often start from the position of compromise had to admit there was nothing in the strategy that could be questioned.
There have been many rumours in the last few weeks about Sikhs trying to set up meetings and negotiate, including talk of Narendra Modi possibly turning up to a Gurdwara. Those that have been making such suggestions were told in no uncertain terms that the key issues that needed to be addressed by the Indian authorities were those set out in the strategy.
The written strategy clarified some issues like getting rid of blacklists were a non-issue in the wider context of things. It was clarified and accepted by all concerned that what must clearly be on the table is the legitimate demand for a separate Sikh homeland with the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and dropping this item was not negotiable.
It was agreed a Sikh perspective on the two general issues below where there is expected to be widespread criticism of Narendra Modi before and during his visit should also be widely communicated. Namely, oppression of religious and ethnic minorities in India and Narendra Modi’s responsibility for the Gujarat 2002 massacre of at least 2,000 Muslims.
The various forms of protest already being organised ranging from Parliamentary meetings to mass demonstrations on the 12th and 13th November that have been planned by non-Sikh organisations that will be supported by large numbers were shared as part of the overall strategy. A further formal announcement about demonstrations from the FSO to Gurdwaras and the Sikh community is expected after the 24 October.
Your idiotic comment also applies to the pro-Modi Indians who welcome him in foreign countries. Why don’t they keep themselves content with enjoying American, Canadian and British hospitalities. Sikhs and other minorities from India have Indian ethnicity so they have every right to raise demands concerning welfare of their brethren living in India because they know Modi’s government can’t suppress them outside of India. Besides, peacefully protesting is not illegal. The fate of the Sikhs is predicated upon the prophecy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Raj Karela Khalsa.
Well put Satish!
How are British Sikhs interested in Indian PM visit is puzzling to me.
If they are interested in the Indian PM visit then they need to become Indian Citizen.
Till then they can get involved in British Politics.
As far as Nation is concerned they need to understand that Nations are made and destroyed by Empire’s ( Like Roman, British, American …) .
So Just enjoy the British hospitality .
I doubt any Empire will like to give Sikhs any Nation.There fate looks like the Kurds of Iraq and Turkey .