London: Stating that the November 8 move of the UK government to reveal its intentions to include India on a list of safe states has raised serious apprehensions, the World Sikh Parliament has expressed grave concern over the UK government’s plans to designate India as a safe state.
“It is crucial to recognise that the Indian state, a product of British colonialism, has historically failed to ensure the safety and protection of minorities and marginalized communities within its borders since its inception”, reads a written statement issued by WSP (copy available with the Sikh Siyasat News).
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the 18th September 2023, cited credible allegations, indicating that Indian Intelligence services were involved in the assassination of a Canadian citizen and Sikh activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Noting that the UK will have access to this credible evidence as it is part of the five eyes intelligence network, the WSP said “these shocking revelations underscore the gravity of concerns regarding the safety and security of individuals critical of the Indian state, even beyond its borders”.
The World Sikh Parliament has highlighted that the Indian state has been implicated in severe human rights abuses, including killings, murders, rapes, torture, and arbitrary detentions of human rights activists, advocates for independence, and those courageous enough to speak out against the atrocities committed by the Indian state.
“Draconian laws, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), are wielded by the Indian state to label individuals as terrorists without due process, allowing for their incarceration without a fair trial. Acts like UAPA are routinely employed to stifle dissenting voices, undermining the right to free speech”, said WSP statement.
“In light of these revelations and concerns, the World Sikh Parliament urgently calls on the UK government to reconsider the decision to classify India as a “safe state,” particularly in light of the ongoing case of the arbitrarily detained British Sikh National, Jagtar Singh Johal. Besides, we also expect the British Government to open an independent enquiry into the Death of Sikh Activist Avtaar Singh Khanda, who Suspiciously died in Birmingham on 11th of June, 2023”, the statement reads.