The Sikh Federation (UK) (SFUK) describes itself as a non-governmental organisation [1] that works with the main political parties to promote relevant Sikh issues. [2] [3] The organisation is a major pro-Khalistan organisation and supports Khalistani secessionist activities. [4]
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It is a pressure group often referred to as the first Sikh political party in the United Kingdom. SFUK says that it is based on the 'miri-piri' principle: the Sikh principle that temporal and spiritual goals are indivisible. [5]
The organisation was established in September 2003 by Dabinderjit Singh with the aim of giving Sikhs a stronger political voice by taking an increasing interest in mainstream politics in the UK. The leadership of Sikh Federation is almost entirely made from former members of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), banned as a terrorist organisation in several countries, and SFUK serves as its successor. In 2018, India asked UK to ban SFUK for its anti-India, pro-Khalistan activities, including proscribing the organisation. [6]
The group criticised a claim by Boris Johnson that “UK Khalistanis” may be “threatening” India. During his much vaunted trip to India in April 2022, UK Conservative government Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the two nations had agreed to set up an “anti-extremist taskforce” to tackle “Khalistani extremists” that were “threatening India”. [7]
The British Sikh Association defied the SFUK for its demand for Khalistan after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that his government does not support the Khalistan movement. It further alleged that Sikh Federation UK is working on the behest of Pakistan's secret agency ISI. [8]