London, 16th October 2024 – In the face of mounting evidence of India’s transnational repression and violence against Sikh activists, a call has been made to the British government and the international community to recognize India as a rogue state and impose sanctions against those responsible for these actions.
According to recent reports from Canada, the UK, and other nations, there is a disturbing pattern of state-sponsored harassment, threats, and killings of Sikh activists, particularly those advocating for Khalistan, an independent Punjabi state. Canada’s recent accusations against India for orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar further highlight India’s systematic effort to silence dissent. Evidence has revealed the involvement of India’s spy agency, RAW, and top government officials in these actions.
However, this campaign is not limited to Canada alone. Sikh activists in the UK have also been targeted. The suspicious death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a Khalistani advocate, occurred after months of harassment and threats by Indian police. Despite official reports attributing his death to leukemia, his family believes it was part of a larger intimidation effort, which also included threats to his relatives in Punjab. Khanda’s death followed direct harassment from Indian officials, adding to other suspicious incidents linked to Indian operatives.
In 2016, while in Portugal, Bhai Paramjit Singh Pamma, a UK refugee, narrowly avoided extradition after India sought his arrest. Although British police confirmed that Pamma was a victim of the Indian state and granted him indefinite leave to remain, the Indian government manipulated the Interpol system to have him arrested in Portugal. This abuse of his human rights serves as proof that India’s state terrorism extends beyond its borders.
India’s misuse of extradition mechanisms and pattern of extrajudicial killings, intimidation, and harassment amount to transnational repression, which is a clear violation of human rights and international norms. The Modi government’s pursuit of Sikh dissidents, through both covert and overt means, can be considered as state terrorism.
A joint statement has been released, calling on the British government, the EU, the UN, and democratic nations to take action by:
– Imposing sanctions against Indian officials responsible for these actions.
– Launching an international investigation into India’s transnational repression.
– Enhancing protection for Sikh activists worldwide.
– Suspending security cooperation with India until these violations are addressed.
The international community must hold India accountable for its actions. Ignoring these abuses undermines global justice and freedom of expression.
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