World

Khalistani Elements Reason For Sikh Division, Radicals Artificially Inflated Their Influence: UK Report

Amidst the Khalistani movement prevailing in Britain, a UK faith advisor has stressed the intimidation and coercion of the Sikh communities in the entire nation by fringe Khalistani elements. An Independent Faith Engagement Advisor appointed by the UK government, Colin Bloom revealed that this small aggression and provocation among the Sikh communities has been caused by the Khalistani radical sympathizers.

The Bloom Review

In his report called ‘The Bloom Review’, he has highlighted the areas of concern. Also, he pointed out the internal strife within some areas of British Sikh communities over the fight against the representation of the top official posts and getting recognition as a prominent Sikh body in Britain.

One of the main reasons for division within Sikh communities has been caused by the radical leaders. The report called it “an extremist fringe ideology within the pro-Khalistan movement.”

It said, “The third area of concern is the activities of some individuals and organisations that are demonstrably fuelling sectarianism and anti-Muslim sentiments, as well as legitimising discriminatory and misogynistic behaviour.”

The Faith Advisor also noted that several pro-Khalistani supporters associated themselves with Sikh communities, however, “their intimidatory and subversive methods are considered by most to be alien to the basic tenets of the Sikh faith.”

The British Sikh community respondents have warned the UK government not to differentiate extremist agendas of subversion from the mainstream Sikh body would end up in the UK turning a “blind eye towards religious extremisms.”

Fear of backlash and threat among Sikhs

While gathering the evidence regarding the report, the advisor noted that there have been repeated cases of people being intimidated and threatened by the Khalistani fringe elements for opposing them in public. The mainstream Sikhs always faced a huge challenge to speak up against the radical leaders, a 2019 report for the Commission for Countering Extremism said.

According to the report, ‘The changing nature of activism among Sikhs in the UK today’ when some potential respondents reportedly refused to participate because they feared backlash and others chose anonymity.

In October 2019, the British government appointed Bloom in order to provide recommendations on how to engage with faith groups in England. The report mainly focused to identify ways to support faith organizations, promote acceptance and cooperation between faith groups, tackle harmful practices, and promote values such as freedom of speech, democracy, the rule of law, and equality. Moreover, it also aimed to improve the faith literacy of the Civil Service and ensure it fulfils its role under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Interestingly, Bloom’s report has also revealed the territorial claim by pro-Khalistani supporters for a separate Sikh homeland claim does not include the part of Punjab located in Pakistan.

“It is not entirely clear if the motivation for these extremists is faith-based or not,” it said.

Also Read: There Is No Winner In a Nuclear War – China’s Xi Jinping To Ukraine’s Zelenskyy On Phone

Radicals have artificially inflated their influence

The Independent Faith Engagement Advisor said the Sikh extremists, who form a tiny minority, attract an inordinate amount of attention, which ignites divisive sentiments in sectors of Sikh communities According to some respondents, these groups or individuals have sought to artificially inflate their influence and legitimise dubious positions or tactics by using the ‘Sikh’ label to lobby political bodies.

Further, the report said, “By circumventing democratic order, some groups compete for power by masquerading as human rights activists, presenting a false appearance of legitimacy.”

Use of social media by Khalistani elements and their sympathisers has ignited violence and hatred towards Muslims, Hindus and even other Sikhs who disagree with the minority extremist ideology, the report added.

Alina Khan

Recent Posts

Holi 2025: Widows In Vrindavan Break Tradition To Celebrate The Festival Of Colors With Joy

Widows in Vrindavan celebrated Holi 2025 with joy, breaking long-standing traditions in Lord Krishna’s childhood…

8 hours ago

Holi 2025: Know The Auspicious Timings And Legends Behind The Festival

Holi, known as the 'Festival of Colors', is one of the most important Hindu festivals.…

8 hours ago

Supreme Court And Various High Courts Express Concerns Over Misuse Of Domestic Violence Laws

Supreme Court and several high courts in India have voiced concerns regarding the growing misuse…

13 hours ago

Court To Hear Defamation Case Of Satyendar Jain Against Bansuri Swaraj On March 22

The court will hear defamation petition of AAP leader Satyendar Jain against BJP MP Bansuri…

14 hours ago

Delhi High Court Disposes Plea To Rename India As Bharat

The Delhi High Court rejected a plea to rename India as Bharat, directing the petitioner…

14 hours ago

MK Faizy Sent To Judicial Custody After ED Remand Ends In Money Laundering Case

The ED remand for MK Faizy, president of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI),…

14 hours ago