Latest news with #Amritsar
Sky News
3 days ago
- General
- Sky News
Inquiry into UK's role in 1984 Golden Temple massacre 'under consideration'
An inquiry into the UK's military role in the 1984 Golden Temple massacre is "under consideration", Sky News has been told. Secret documents released in 2014 revealed that the Margaret Thatcher-led government at the time sent a SAS officer to help guide the Indian government with the attack, which killed hundreds of civilians. Since then, the Sikh community has been demanding full transparency on the affair, especially as many files remain classified. The most high-profile Sikh MP, Tan Dhesi, told Sky News he has had conversations "with ministers and others in Number 10" who said an inquiry is "under consideration". Mr Dhesi, who is also the Labour chair of the influential House of Commons Defence Committee, said: "My message to the government is that it's about time that the Sikh community got their truth and transparency. "That can only come about through an inquiry to establish the extent of the Thatcher-led government's involvement." Operation Blue Star in June 1984 saw Indian forces storm the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar, where armed separatists who sought the creation of an independent Sikh homeland had taken refuge. Thousands gathered in central London on Sunday to implore Labour's leadership to honour their commitment to hold an independent public inquiry into potential British involvement in the Golden Temple massacre. While in opposition, Labour made multiple promises to hold an independent inquiry, including: In their 2017 and 2019 manifestos. A letter addressed to the Sikh community from Sir Keir Starmer as the Leader of the Opposition in 2022, which stated: "A future Labour government will open an independent inquiry into Britain's military role in the Indian army's 1984 raid on the Golden Temple in Amritsar." A social media post from the now Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, a month before last year's general election, which said: "Labour stands with the Sikh community in calling for an inquiry into the historic role Britain played." Almost 11 months into Labour's time in power, there has not been any official government update on this matter. Sky News approached the Foreign Office for comment, who pointed us to a January 2025 exchange in the House between Mr Dhesi and the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, who said: "I know that this matter is of great importance to the Sikh community across the UK. We need to get to the bottom of what happened, and I will ensure that the ministers responsible are in touch with him [Mr Dhesi] to discuss the matter further." Earlier this year, more than 400 Sikh groups wrote to the prime minister, urging Sir Keir to launch an inquiry as he promised. Speaking at Sunday's rally in central London, Dabinderjit Singh OBE, the lead executive for political engagement at the Sikh Federation (UK), said: "It is totally unacceptable that the Labour leadership remains silent on its promise. "A judge-led public inquiry must take place so we have the full truth. If Labour breaks its promise, it will be an act of betrayal. "Labour will lose much of the Sikh vote if they let us down." The Conservative-led government under Prime Minister David Cameron conducted an internal review in 2014, which concluded that the UK's role was "purely advisory" and "limited", involving a single military adviser providing early-stage planning advice to Indian authorities. However, this investigation was criticised as a cover-up due to its limited scope and quick timeframe. The Indian government's official position is that Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out against armed militants, not the Sikh community.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
UK Sikhs may ‘no platform' Labour MPs over lack of Amritsar massacre inquiry
British Sikhs are threatening to 'no platform' Labour MPs over failure to deliver a public inquiry into UK complicity in the 1984 Golden Temple massacre in India, amid warnings 'frustrated' Sikh voters could back Reform UK. Over 450 gurdwaras, charities, associations and university societies have written to prime minister Keir Starmer demanding he honour previous promises to fully investigate the affair or risk 'massive consequences for the re-election of many Labour MPs.' The ultimatum coincides with a Trafalgar Square rally on Sunday marking the 41st anniversary of the massacre in Amritsar, when thousands of people were killed after Indian forces stormed Sikhism's holiest site to remove firebrand leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, horrifying moderates. The letter, dated 1 June, said the Sikh community is 'hugely disappointed there has been a deafening silence' to recent letters and calls for timelines for an inquiry that would investigate 'UK involvement in the Indian military operation and anti-Sikh measures in Britain when Margaret Thatcher was in power.' In 2014, the accidental release of documents revealed Thatcher's government had full knowledge of India's plan, Operation Blue Star, with an SAS officer advising beforehand. David Cameron ordered his most senior civil servant to investigate, but his review, which said the British officer's advice was ignored by the Indian army, disappointed Sikhs, with Labour politicians, including Keir Starmer in a 2022 letter, repeatedly promising an independent inquiry. Campaigners, who had hoped an inquiry would be launched before the end of the tragedy's 40th anniversary year, are now warning that Labour MPs face being banned from Sikh temples and events. 'Regrettably, we are today being forced to put the Labour leadership on notice,' the letter adds. 'If a judge-led public inquiry is not announced in parliament by the end of July 2025 the Sikh community will implement a 'no platform' policy for all Labour MPs from 1 August that are not supporting a judge-led public inquiry … Sikhs are well-respected (and) can build political alliances. Sikhs may need to make it their business to campaign with others locally and nationally to get the wider public to punish Labour for broken promises.' The Guardian has seen a list of seats nationwide where Sikh Federation UK has identified the 'Sikh vote' as 'critical'. Dabinderjit Singh, the Sikh Federation's executive lead, warned Labour faced 'permanent' loss of support from the 'majority' of the community, which they believe is a million-strong – double the figure in the last census – with not everyone recording their religion and recent migration. Meanwhile, concerns have intensified among British Sikhs about India's treatment of minorities and transnational repression, amid strengthening UK trade ties. Singh said talks were under way with the Lib Dems, Reform and the SNP about support for an inquiry, and that every Labour MP would be written to, adding: 'There are 105 (seats) we're monitoring where the Sikh vote will matter, including Ilford North, Ilford South, Wolverhampton seats, Birmingham seats, Derby seats. 'Labour announced the (Pat Finucane) inquiry in September … don't tell us, when there were thousands of people killed in 1984, that our lives matter less.' Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'Following the 1st May election … some people are saying Sikhs are going to start to vote Reform,' he added. 'I think it's the frustration. Lots of people just get so frustrated with politicians making promises and then doing the exact opposite, on a range of issues. That's the bigger danger – that people therefore look for something different, independent candidates, Reform candidates, Green candidates.' Singh said while he 'struggled' personally with Reform's stances, he added: 'I've met Nigel Farage before, and Ukip, as it was then, were greatly supportive on Sikh issues … for their own reasons. I can see things getting really divisive.' Two British Sikh candidates ran for Reform in 2024's general election in London. Meanwhile Rajbir Singh, a former Labour leader of Sandwell council in the West Midlands, defected to Reform in April. Approached for comment, the Foreign Office pointed to comments made in January by leader of the house, Lucy Powell, who, asked when an independent inquiry would be initiated, said: 'I know that this matter is of great importance to the Sikh community across the UK … we need to get to the bottom of what happened.'
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘It remains one of our cherished memories:' Shubman's 2014 world record partner Nirmal
It has been 4,055 days since Mohali youngster Nirmal Singh was associated in a world record 587-run stand with then 14-year-old Shubman Gill in a match against Amritsar in the Punjab Inter-District Tournament for ML Markan Trophy played in the second week of April 2014. While Chak Kherewala (Fazilka district) born Gill played a knock of 351 runs in the match, Nirmal played a knock of 267 runs during the match and the pair broke the earlier record of 561 runs for the first wicket between Waheed Mirza and Mansoor Akhtar in the match between Karachi Whites and Quetta at National Stadium, Karachi in 1977. On Saturday, as 25-year-old Gill became the 37th Test captain for the Indian team, Singh recalls the historic day of 2014. 'It remains one of our cherished memories of our cricket career. We both were very young and when we made the world record. All we talked about was how we enjoyed batting on that particular day in the match. He would suggest things like to target which bowlers or the pitch conditions and I would also do the same for him. To see Shubman being made the Indian Test team captain is a special feeling for not only him but every one of us who was part of his journey,' says Singh, who is now a regular feature in the Mohali senior team. Gill had batted for 277 balls to make 351 runs in the match while Singh, who hails from Bhiwani, Haryana, had played a knock of 276 runs off 335 balls. Gill hit 49 boundaries and two sixes during his knock, while Singh had smashed 35 boundaries during his stay at the wicket. Mohali had declared at a total of 681 for 8 in 142 overs against Amritsar in the match played at the MCA Academy ground outside the IS Bindra International Stadium. 'I guess the wicket was rolled too well for the game, making it so good for batting. The ball was coming onto the bat and when my eyes were set I went for my shots. After I made the first 50, I started to enjoy going for my shots. Once I crossed 150, I started feeling tired but Tinkoo sir (Sukhwinder Tinkoo, chief coach of the academy) was constantly telling me to go for another 50 runs and play freely. When I crossed 300, I was very tired; in fact, the next 50 runs came only because of Nirmal's support from the other end.' Gill had told The Indian Express in 2014. PCA scorer Sushil Diwan acted as a scorer in Gill's most junior-level matches, as well as Ranji Trophy matches and International matches played at Mohali. 'Across the age groups, Shubman Gill performed very well, and it would be a delight for us scorers too. His father, Lakhwinder Gill, would always be there to watch him play and used to take him to every age group. It's his passion and dedication, coupled with his father's dedication, which has taken it to this level,' said Diwan.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan rejects Indian allegations it tried to launch attack on Golden Temple
ISLAMABAD: The ministry of foreign affairs on Tuesday 'categorically' rejected allegations by a senior Indian army officer that Pakistan had attempted to target the Golden Temple in the Indian city of Amritsar using drones and missiles earlier this month. During a media briefing in Amritsar on Monday, Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15 Infantry Division, said the Golden Temple was directly targeted in the recent wave of attacks as India and Pakistan engaged in their worst fighting in decades between May 7-10, which ultimately ended with a US-brokered a ceasefire. He said the Indian army's air defense gunners shot down all drones and missiles Pakistan had launched at the Golden Temple. The Pakistani foreign office spokesperson called Seshadri's comments 'baseless and incorrect.' 'We categorically reject the allegations that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple, the most revered place in the Sikh faith. We hold all places of worship in the highest esteem and cannot think of targeting a holy site like the Golden Temple,' the spokesperson said in a statement. He said Pakistan was the 'proud custodian' of numerous sacred sites belonging to the Sikh faith and annually hosted thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world, providing visa-free access to the historic Gurdwara Sahib Kartarpur through the Kartarpur Corridor. 'In that backdrop, any claim concerning Pakistan's attempt to target the Golden Temple is absolutely baseless and incorrect,' the spokesperson added. At least 60 people died in fighting earlier this month triggered by an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing, a charge Pakistan denies. Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both countries, which have fought multiple wars over the Himalayan territory since their 1947 independence from Britain.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
India and Pakistan exchange captured soldiers after ceasefire deal
India and Pakistan exchanged a prisoner each on Wednesday, days after the South Asian nuclear powers walked away from the brink of war. Pakistan returned a Border Security Force personnel who had inadvertently gone over the border in northern Punjab state last month. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw was returned after three weeks in Pakistani custody. He had been detained for crossing into Pakistani territory while on operational duty in the Ferozepur area on 23 April, the BSF said. His 'repatriation' became possible due to the 'consistent efforts of BSF through regular flag meetings with Pakistan Rangers and through other communication channels". The BSF said the constable from West Bengal state was handed over at around 10.30am local time at the joint check post on the Attari border near Amritsar. The "handover was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols'. The constable's family said his return was a "great relief". "The past two weeks have been filled with sleepless nights and uncertainty for us. We were worried about his well-being," a member of his family was quoted as saying by India Today. In exchange for the constable, India returned Muhammadullah of Punjab Rangers who had reportedly crossed into India on 3 May. For four days last week, India and Pakistan engaged in the most intense fighting in decades that killed at least 75 people before a ceasefire was reached over the weekend. The conflict ensued after India, in an overnight attack last Wednesday, struck nine alleged militant hideouts in Pakistan. The airstrikes, dubbed "Operation Sindoor", were conducted in retaliation for the killing of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in a terror attack in Kashmir on 22 April. New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing the gunmen who carried out the massacre. Islamabad denied the charge and sought an independent investigation. In the wake of the attack, the two countries expelled each other's diplomats, suspended visas and closed airspaces and land borders. India also suspended a crucial treaty on river water sharing. The Indian strikes escalated the tensions into a military conflict as the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto border in the restive Kashmir region as well as missile and drone strikes on military installations. The Indian military claimed to have killed nearly 100 militants with its overnight strikes and 35-40 personnel of Pakistan's armed forces in subsequent action along the de facto border. The Pakistani army said on Tuesday that the clash with India had left 11 soldiers and 40 civilians dead. A Pakistani minister last week claimed their armed forces had killed 40-50 Indian soldiers. Both India and Pakistan claimed to have downed each other's fighter jets in a dogfight that reportedly involved over 125 aircraft, making it the largest aerial battle since the Second World War. Both nations also claimed victory in the overall fighting, which was halted after US president Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on Saturday afternoon.
