Supporters of Sikh separatists ‘misusing’ UK asylum system to assist terrorism, says India

India has requested Britain for elevated monitoring of UK-based supporters of a Sikh separatist motion because it accuses them of abusing the asylum system to assist “terrorist activities” within the South Asia nation.

At a gathering in New Delhi between British and Indian officers, the Indian authorities mentioned it “conveyed its concerns on the misuse of UK’s asylum status by the pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and requested better cooperation with the UK”.

It follows violent scenes on the Indian High Commission in London final month which noticed its home windows smashed and a Khalistani flag exchange India’s nationwide flag, also called the tricolour.

Those behind the protests are believed to be Khalistani supporters, or Sikh separatists, who want to set up a brand new breakaway state in Punjab, north India.

India denounced the demonstrations as a “breach of security”, whereas UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly mentioned safety on the constructing can be reviewed following “unacceptable acts of violence” in the direction of employees.

Jas Singh, an adviser to Sikh Federation UK, mentioned: “It’s very concerning that the UK government is considering any action at the behest of a foreign government, all of which is designed to remove democratic civil liberties of UK residents.

“It is a authorized proper for people to marketing campaign for an impartial homeland, whether or not that is within the UK or overseas.”

Regarding the incident on the Indian High Commission, he added that the person who allegedly focused the embassy does “not represent the Sikh community in the UK”.

Lord Indarjit Singh, of the Network of Sikh Organisations, advised Sky News how the demonstrations outdoors the High Commission had been “noisy, ill-tempered and played into the hands of those who seek to smear us [Sikhs] as anti-Indian”.

Meanwhile, three officers mentioned on Monday that talks on a free commerce settlement between India and Britain haven’t been suspended and can proceed this yr.

A report had claimed India “disengaged” from the discussions after the UK did not condemn Sikh separatists.

In India, protests are widespread with clashes between Khalistani supporters and police. Prominent separatist chief, Amritpal Singh, stays on the run with lots of his supporters arrested.

The Khalistan motion is banned in India, the place officers see it and affiliated teams as a nationwide safety risk.

Amritpal Singh claims to attract inspiration from Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a Sikh militant chief accused by the Indian authorities of main an armed insurgency for Khalistan.

Bhindranwale and his supporters had been killed in 1984 when the Indian military stormed the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine within the Sikh faith.