In recent times, there has been a continuous rise in Khalistani activities in the UK, leading to increasing pressure on the UK government to adopt a stricter approach toward Khalistan supporters. Recently, the UK Charity Commission has set a deadline for the Slough Gurdwara Sahib to immediately remove pro-Khalistan banners. This indicates that the UK government may take more stringent actions against Khalistani elements in the near future.
In 2019, Indian journalist Lovina Tandon, during a visit to the Gurdwara Sahib, noticed several Khalistani banners displayed throughout the premises. She reported this to the Charity Commission, which then initiated action. Since then, multiple meetings have been held between the Gurdwara committee and the Commission. Although the Gurdwara committee consistently took a lenient stance toward Khalistani supporters, the Commission ignored their stance and made its decision. As a result, the Khalistani banners must now be removed from the Gurdwara.
Meanwhile, Khalistani activities have also seen a resurgence in India in recent months. On Ram Navami, there were reported plans to attack temples in Punjab, although these plans were ultimately unsuccessful. Additionally, Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun recently threatened to damage a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This has sparked outrage not only in Punjab but also in Jammu and Kashmir, where members of the Dalit community have burned effigies of Pannun.
There is also speculation that Khalistani elements may be involved in a grenade attack on the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. Leaders such as M.S. Bitta, the head of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front, have directly challenged Khalistanis, daring them to even try touching Dr. Ambedkar’s statue in India if they have the courage. Bitta also stated that governments across the world should take strict action against individuals involved in Khalistani activities.
