Sikh Federation (UK) Convention puts UK Government and Indian authorities on notice over Sikh rights, repression and Khalistan
Wolverhampton, 14 September 2026
More than 10,000 Sikhs gathered over three days at the Sikh Federation (UK) National Sikh Convention at the hugely impressive Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Wolverhampton, in a powerful show of unity, resistance and commitment to the struggle for Sikhi, human rights and Khalistan.
Under the theme “Proud to be a Sikh, Proud to be a Khalistani” - the Convention delivered a blunt message to those who oppose Sikhi, try to silence Sikh voices, or seek to undermine the campaign for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan: the Sikh struggle is not going away.
The Sikh Federation (UK) made clear that its mission has always been rooted in defending and promoting Sikhi, exposing human rights abuses, and advancing the cause of Khalistan. Its origins lie in the attack on the Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex in June 1984, and its stance since then has been shaped by the teachings, courage and moral authority of the Sikh Gurus.
The Federation has built a proud reputation for taking an uncompromising stand on Sikhi, human rights violations and Khalistan, regardless of the consequences. Speakers at the Convention therefore put the UK Government, Indian authorities and others firmly on notice.
The message for the UK government under new leadership was clear: empty promises, delays and double standards will no longer be accepted. The UK Government was told it must act within the next 12 months on Anti-Sikh hate, proper recognition of Sikhs and Jews by 40,000 public bodies to address entrenched inequalities and introduce a statutory Code of Practice on the 5 Kakaars and Dastaar.
On the back of a reset of UK-Israel relations those taking part in the Convention were told the UK Government needed to show consistency and resolve in its dealings with the Indian government. Dabinderjit Singh OBE, the Chief Executive (Political Engagement) said:
“In communications with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary we have told them they need to be more inventive and resolute in dealing firmly with the Indian government.”
Participants were informed last week the Federation had raised three urgent issues with the new Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary: securing the release and return of Jagtar Singh Johal, announcing a judge-led public inquiry into Margaret Thatcher’s anti-Sikh actions in the 1980s, and confronting transnational repression by the Indian government targeting Sikh activists in the UK.
Speakers made it plain that Labour made promises in opposition, and the Sikh community will not allow those promises to be quietly abandoned.
The Indian authorities and their agents were also warned that the Federation will continue to expose the RSS and the right-wing Indian government. This was demonstrated in recent weeks after the RSS leader secretly visited a Gurdwara in London and the embarrassing fiasco at the Eiffel Tower created by BAPS, the global Hindu organisation that provides religious legitimacy and cultural backing to Narendra Modi’s political project.
The Federation confirmed that it has already initiated steps with the Home Office and Foreign Office to ensure that leading agents of the Indian government known to British intelligence are dealt with robustly under the National Security Act 2023, including where imprisonment and deportation may be warranted.
Legal experts who advise the UK government suggest if the political will existed the new law could be used to target agents of the Indian government that have been living in the UK for 40-50 years, especially where the Sikh community have knowledge of their activities for the Indian government.
The Convention reaffirmed what has always set the Federation apart: an unwavering refusal to compromise on Sikhi, human rights or Khalistan.
Bhai Amrik Singh, Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) Strategy Board, issued a direct warning to those attempting to pressure UK officials into avoiding engagement with the Federation. He said:
“We know who you are, and your strategy of warning UK government officials not to engage with the Federation as we campaign for Khalistan, which is our democratic right. This strategy has run its course and will come to an end.”
The Federation said this was linked in part to a Home Office data breach that exposed the names of individuals, academics and organisations who had attempted to meet government officials on 9 July to discuss proposed legislative changes affecting the Kirpan.
Several speakers noted that those who had gone against the resolutions and red lines agreed at the large Panthic gathering at Guru Nanak Parkash Gurdwara, Coventry, on 14 June, had been identified and subsequently faced criticism.
The Convention closed with a renewed call for courage, principle and steadfast commitment to the Sikh cause.
ENDS
Kuldeep Singh Chief Executive (Administration) Sikh Federation (UK)