The State of Sikh Activism in the UK: A Time of Crisis

Sikh activism in the UK is facing an unprecedented assault, with an alarming escalation in political targeting, legal harassment, and media defamation of those who stand for Sikh rights. This systematic crackdown is not just a threat to individual activists but a direct attack on the community’s right to organise, advocate, and defend its identity. Recent events, including the detention of Jagtar Singh Johal, the persecution of Sikh Youth UK (SYUK), the murder of Avtar Singh Khanda, and the raids on prominent Sikh activists, paint a disturbing picture of the current state of affairs.

Jagtar Singh Johal: A Symbol of Political Suppression

Jagtar Singh Johal’s case has become a focal point in the global Sikh struggle for justice. Johal, a British Sikh blogger and human rights advocate, was detained in India in 2017 under fabricated charges of terrorism. His detention came just months after British Prime Minister Theresa May visited India to strengthen post-Brexit trade relations. Despite widespread international condemnation and evidence of torture, the British government has failed to intervene meaningfully, highlighting a disturbing willingness to prioritise economic interests over the human rights of its citizens.

Sikh Youth UK (SYUK): A Targeted Campaign

Sikh Youth UK, led by Deepa Singh, has been at the forefront of raising awareness on issues such as grooming, Sikh identity, and human rights abuses. Their activism has drawn the ire of both British and Indian authorities, resulting in coordinated raids and sytematic targeting by West Midlands Police, MI5, MI6, the Flying Squad, and Special Branch, aimed at discrediting SYUK and silencing its leadership.

Despite no evidence of extremism or terrorism being found, SYUK’s leaders are now facing sentencing under charity law technicalities. The use of counter-terrorism units and intelligence services in a case involving grassroots community work illustrates the extreme lengths authorities are willing to go to in order to suppress Sikh activism.

The Murder of Avtar Singh Khanda

The untimely death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a prominent Sikh activist, has raised serious concerns about foul play. Khanda was a key figure in exposing Indian state atrocities and advocating for Sikh sovereignty. His sudden death in the UK, under suspicious circumstances, has left many in the community shaken and fearful for their safety. Yet, there has been little transparency or investigation into the matter, further eroding trust in the system.

Raids, Extraditions, and Intimidation

In recent years, there has been a surge in raids on Sikh activists’ homes, attempts to extradite individuals to India, and the use of intelligence-sharing agreements between the UK and India to target the diaspora. Activists who have been vocal in their criticism of Indian state policies and those who have organised protests and awareness campaigns have found themselves under constant surveillance and threat.

This coordinated effort is not accidental. It is a clear message: if you stand against injustice and speak truth to power, you will be silenced. Whether through legal manipulation, media campaigns, or direct intimidation, the goal is to dismantle the Sikh activist network and suppress the community’s political voice.

Sikh Activism: A Legacy of Resistance

Sikhi has always been inherently political. From the times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who spoke out against tyranny, to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s creation of the Khalsa to resist oppression, Sikhs have a proud history of standing against injustice. This legacy continues today, as activists fight for human rights, freedom of speech, and justice for victims of state violence.

The current wave of repression is an attempt to break this spirit. But history has shown that the Sikh community does not back down in the face of adversity. Rather, such attacks only strengthen its resolve.

Standing Together: The Need for Unity

At this critical juncture, it is vital for the Sikh community to stand together. If we remain silent, we risk allowing these injustices to continue unchecked. We must raise awareness, educate others about what is happening, and provide unwavering support to those on the frontlines of this struggle.

This is not just about individual cases—it is about preserving the community’s right to advocate, to resist, and to exist without fear of repression. If we do not stand together now, we risk being dismantled piece by piece until there are no activists left to fight for our rights.

A Call to Action

The persecution of Sikh activists in the UK is a dire warning for the entire community. It is a reminder that Sikhi is not just a religion but a movement rooted in social justice and resistance. Sikhs are more than their seva. We must not let fear silence us. Instead, we must amplify our voices, support our activists, and continue the legacy of our Gurus by standing firm against oppression.

The time to act is now. Share the truth. Educate others. Stand in solidarity. Together, we can ensure that the voices of Sikh activists are not silenced, and that justice, which has always been at the heart of Sikhi, prevails.