The Sikh diaspora is vast and vibrant, but recent developments in the UK’s Sikh leadership highlight troubling trends that have little to do with advancing Sikh interests. The October 14 episode of “Gurdwara MiriPiri” on MATV presented a damning critique of organizations like the Sikh Federation UK (SFUK) and the World Sikh Organization (WSO), accusing them of factionalism, power grabs, and undermining the true spirit of Sikhism. These accusations point to a larger issue: the hijacking of Sikh politics by self-serving individuals who exploit the community’s trust for personal and political gain.
At the heart of this critique is the fact that SFUK and WSO, under the guise of representing Sikhs, have devolved into political factions where allegiance to one’s group supersedes religious principles. The Sikh faith, based on the tenets of equality, humility, and selfless service, has been distorted by these organizations into a game of factional loyalty. The episode highlighted two prominent factions—the Damdami Taksal and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ)—and how their rivalry has hurt the broader Sikh cause. In the aftermath of the 1984 Sikh massacre, the Sikh struggle could have unified around shared goals. Instead, factionalism fractured that unity, weakening the community’s voice and cause on a global stage.
SFUK’s recent conference serves as a potent example of how dreams, literally, have replaced substantive policy or advocacy. Amrik Singh Gill, SFUK’s president, spoke proudly about how a dream he had in 2015 of forming a Sikh Federation body had finally borne fruit. But dreams do not build movements; actions do. Meanwhile, SFUK’s track record over the last 40 years offers little in the way of tangible progress. What has the organization truly accomplished beyond collecting funds in the name of martyrs and perpetuating factional divides?
The announcement of a 51-member committee by SFUK, allegedly intended to represent Sikh interests, is emblematic of this hollow activism. In reality, this so-called “Sikh Parliament” is not a genuine representation of the Sikh community, but a parliament of their faction, primarily filled with family members and allies from specific villages. It is disheartening to see such nepotism and parochialism masquerading as leadership. What kind of leadership is it when those who cannot even manage to be village heads are now proclaiming themselves to be Members of Parliament for the Sikh community?
The anchors of “Gurdwara MiriPiri” went further to suggest that the ideas and strategies of SFUK and WSO are influenced not by the needs of the Sikh community, but by external forces such as Pakistan’s ISI. Whether these claims are accurate or not, they point to an unsettling reality: SFUK and its ilk appear more interested in playing geopolitical games than addressing the real issues facing Sikhs today. These organizations claim to speak for Sikhs but seem more invested in perpetuating their own power.
The episode also highlighted one of the more bizarre and disturbing aspects of SFUK’s leadership—their penchant for keeping the Panj Pyares (the five beloved ones, a revered symbol in Sikhism) in indefinite positions. This is a blatant violation of Sikh traditions, where the Panj Pyares are chosen for a day, representing a collective will, not a permanent authority. This distortion of religious symbols is not only disrespectful but also a clear indication of how far these factions are willing to go to control the narrative.
Perhaps the most egregious example of this misuse of power is in the realm of finances. There are allegations that SFUK and similar organizations have misappropriated funds, using the goodwill and donations of the community for personal or political gains. The acquisition of property through these means is nothing short of theft—thagi in its purest form. Sikhs are known for their generosity and commitment to community service. To see that generosity exploited is a betrayal of the highest order.
The episode also touched on the troubling figure of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) movement. Pannun, with his entourage of bodyguards, was seen at a Gurdwara without them adhering to the simple Sikh tradition of covering their heads. The lack of outcry over this breach of protocol speaks to the fear and control figures like Pannun hold over the community. The anchors rightfully questioned why someone like Pannun, who has often styled himself as a leader, is allowed to sidestep basic Sikh values while basking in the reverence of his followers.
The larger issue at play here is that organizations like SFUK and WSO have taken advantage of the Sikh community’s deep sense of duty and loyalty to exploit them for personal or political ends. Instead of uniting the community, they have divided it. Instead of addressing real issues—such as the representation of Sikhs in government, the plight of persecuted Sikhs worldwide, or the preservation of Sikh heritage—they have chosen to indulge in factional bickering and personal aggrandizement.
The Sikh panth deserves better. It deserves leadership that is focused on unity, service, and the greater good of the community. SFUK and WSO need to be held accountable for their actions, and the Sikh community must demand transparency, integrity, and true representation. Only then can we move beyond the petty factionalism that has plagued us for far too long and work toward a future that honors the true values of Sikhism.
The time has come for Sikhs in the UK and around the world to reclaim their community from those who have misused their trust. The Sikh panth is not built on dreams, but on action, sacrifice, and selfless service. It is time to hold these so-called leaders to account and demand that they either step up—or step aside.
The full interview can be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= eDYhkb4cYh4
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
