Introduction
In a developing narrative that spans continents, questions surrounding the untimely demise of Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda, ‘alleged’ Khalistan supporter have ignited calls for an independent investigation by the UK Home Office. The plea from Khanda’s family comes amidst concerns about potential targeting by Indian authorities, raising fears that the safety and rights of the Sikh community may be compromised for political reasons. This plea, coupled with recent events in Canada and the US involving Sikh separatists, underscores the urgency for a thorough and impartial inquiry.
Background
Avtar Singh Khanda, a 35-year-old asylum seeker based in Birmingham, was a vocal advocate for the Khalistan movement, seeking the establishment of a separate Sikh state. His sudden death on June 15th in a Birmingham hospital, attributed to acute myeloid leukemia, raised eyebrows, especially considering the alleged harassment he faced in the months leading up to his demise. Friends and family contend that Khanda was the target of an intense campaign in the Indian press, falsely accusing him of involvement in a protest at the Indian High Commission in London.
Challenges in the Investigation
While West Midlands police initially asserted a thorough investigation, doubts emerged following inquiries by The Guardian. Allegations surfaced that the police had not inspected Khanda’s residence or interviewed his friends and colleagues after his death, prompting skepticism about the adequacy of the initial inquiry. The family, referencing recent concerns about West Midlands police’s handling of cases, has requested the Home Office to appoint an alternative police force to ensure an unbiased examination of Khanda’s death.
International Context and Khalistan Angle
The unfolding events take a global turn as details emerge about the murder of another Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada, and an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based lawyer organizing a symbolic Khalistan referendum in California. Michael Polak, the family lawyer, draws attention to the coincidence that Avtar Singh Khanda’s death occurred during the same period as Nijjar’s assassination in Canada and the attempt on Pannun’s life in the USA. These revelations heighten the urgency for an objective review by a different police force, a request the family hopes the Home Secretary will grant.
Political Dynamics
The geopolitical landscape further complicates the situation, with the Biden administration emphasizing a strong relationship with India to counter China. Despite this alliance, the Department of Justice unsealed a criminal indictment accusing an unnamed Indian government official of orchestrating the attempted murder of US attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also implicated India in Nijjar’s murder. The UK government, however, has remained relatively silent, with Foreign Office ministers indicating that the matter had been thoroughly reviewed by the police.
Public and Sikh Community Reaction
Jas Singh, an adviser to the Sikh Federation (UK), expresses concern over the months of silence from the UK government regarding alleged transnational repression by the Indian government. He emphasizes that the UK government cannot turn a blind eye to such activities, citing instances of foreign interference and undue influence on UK policy. The Sikh community, both in the UK and globally, seeks clarity and justice, urging the government to address the illegal activities of the Indian government against Sikhs.
Conclusion
As the complexities surrounding Avtar Singh Khanda’s death continue to unravel, the call for an independent investigation gains momentum. The intertwining of international politics, allegations of Khalistan sepratiesm, and the pursuit of a free trade agreement between the UK and India underscore the need for a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. The Sikh community, grieving the loss of one of its advocates, demands transparency and accountability, hoping that the Home Office will heed their plea for a diligent review by an alternative police force.