During a recent session in the House of Commons, British Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill addressed the pressing issue of transnational repression affecting members of the Sikh community in the UK. Without naming individuals, Gill raised concerns about alleged plots targeting British Sikhs and sought clarification from Security Minister Tom Tugendhat regarding the measures taken by the British government to address this issue.
Highlighting the emergence of a "hit list" featuring several British Sikhs, Gill underscored the need for heightened security measures for "British Sikh activists." She referenced the collective apprehensions expressed by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance—comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom—regarding the actions of agents connected to India targeting Sikh activists residing in the UK.
Gill emphasized the gravity of the situation by mentioning alleged assassination attempts and thwarted plots, citing the proactive response of US and Canadian authorities in publicly condemning such threats to sovereignty, the rule of law, and democratic values. She urged the British government to demonstrate similar resolve in safeguarding the democratic rights of British Sikhs facing similar risks.
In response, Tugendhat assured that the Home Office is vigilantly evaluating potential threats to individual rights and safety across the UK. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to taking immediate action against any specific threats posed by foreign powers against British citizens, asserting that the Sikh community should enjoy the same level of safety as other communities in the country.
Asserting equality for all British citizens regardless of background, Tugendhat reiterated that appropriate measures have been taken thus far. He emphasized the close collaboration with Five Eyes partners and pledged to respond swiftly should circumstances demand additional action.
The discussion in the House of Commons reflects broader concerns about transnational repression affecting the Sikh diaspora, as illustrated by recent incidents such as the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the alleged conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, both individuals designated as terrorists by India. These incidents have sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, as well as the United States, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of addressing such issues on an international scale.
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