British Sikhs are now threatening to "no platform" Labour MPs due to their failure to deliver a promised public inquiry into the UK’s alleged complicity in the 1984 Golden Temple massacre in India. This ultimatum could significantly impact the political landscape, particularly following a rally in Trafalgar Square that commemorated the 41st anniversary of the tragedy. The massacre occurred when Indian forces stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar to remove the militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, resulting in the deaths of thousands and evoking widespread horror among moderate Sikhs.

A coalition of over 450 gurdwaras, charities, and student societies has collectively addressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to fulfil earlier commitments to investigate the events of 1984. The Sikh community's disappointment is palpable, especially as they note a "deafening silence" from Labour leaders regarding ongoing calls for accountability. The letter, which was sent on 1 June, warns that unless a judge-led inquiry is announced by the end of July 2025, Labour MPs who do not support this initiative will face exclusion from Sikh temples and community events.

This collective frustration has been amplified by revelations from 2014 that the Thatcher government had foreknowledge of India’s Operation Blue Star. Documents indicated that a British SAS officer advised Indian authorities ahead of the assault, raising questions about the UK's involvement. Although a review initiated by David Cameron concluded that UK officials did not participate directly in the operation, this finding has been labelled a "whitewash" by the Sikh community. Despite ongoing discussions about the inquiry, many Sikhs feel their plight is consistently overlooked, leading to increasing disillusionment with Labour.

In the wake of political unrest, some Sikh voters are considering redirecting their support towards parties like Reform UK. Dabinderjit Singh, the executive lead for the Sikh Federation, has indicated that many in the community are exploring alliances with the Liberal Democrats and the SNP as well, driven by a strong desire for accountability. He highlighted a list of constituencies where the Sikh vote is deemed critical, including key battlegrounds in Ilford, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham, where Labour risk losing their support irrevocably.

Moreover, the ongoing tension surrounding UK-India relations, especially concerning the treatment of minorities in India and allegations of transnational repression, further complicates this issue for British Sikhs. The impending local elections serve as a reminder of the political leverage the Sikh vote holds, and Singh has emphasised the significance of upcoming strategies for engagement with MPs across parties, particularly in light of Labour's failure to uphold its commitments.

The community's growing anger reflects a broader sense of political futility. As Singh expressed, there seems to be a deep frustration with politicians whose promises often remain unfulfilled, pushing some within the community to consider alternative platforms. Notably, two British Sikhs represented Reform UK in the previous general election, and recent defections from Labour, such as that of Rajbir Singh, underscore the shifting allegiances within the community.

As British Sikhs contemplate their political future, their voices resonate with a demand for justice that can no longer be ignored. The Labour Party now stands at a crossroads, facing not only the threat of significant political loss but also an urgent call for accountability and recognition of a historical wrong that still looms large within community memory.

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Source: Noah Wire Services