A UK-based Sikh activist has been warned by the police to step up security at his home due to threats from Hindu nationalist elements linked to the Indian government, according to sources. The advice comes as the UK strengthens its ties with India, which is viewed as a key partner in balancing China's growing power.
Paramjeet Singh Pamma, 52, has been receiving verbal warnings from police about increasing security measures at his home after intelligence suggested threats to his safety. These threats are believed to be connected to his activism for the Khalistan movement, an independent Sikh state that is outlawed in India.
Pamma's concerns echo those of other Sikh nationalists who have also reported threats and intimidation. He believes the Indian government is using its influence on the UK to silence critics, describing the repression faced by Sikhs as "relentless."
In 2023, a prominent Sikh activist was killed in Canada after claiming intelligence suggested he was being targeted by the Indian government. US prosecutors accused an Indian agent of directing the attempted assassination of another American citizen. These cases are part of a growing trend of transnational repression, with foreign governments increasingly targeting dissidents on UK soil.
The UK has seen a 48% increase in investigations into state threats since 2022, according to MI5. The joint committee on human rights has listed India as a country of concern alongside China and Russia.
Pamma claims he has been subjected to repeated threats and intimidation since moving to the UK, including receiving threatening phone calls and having visitors arrive at his home with guns in broad daylight. Despite this, police have struggled to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
The Indian government views the Khalistan movement as a terrorist threat and campaigns for its disbandment. The UK has pursued closer ties with India, signing a trade deal in May 2023 – one of the biggest prizes of Brexit.
Pamma's case highlights concerns about the UK's handling of security threats from foreign governments and the need to balance diplomatic relations with the protection of dissenting voices.
Paramjeet Singh Pamma, 52, has been receiving verbal warnings from police about increasing security measures at his home after intelligence suggested threats to his safety. These threats are believed to be connected to his activism for the Khalistan movement, an independent Sikh state that is outlawed in India.
Pamma's concerns echo those of other Sikh nationalists who have also reported threats and intimidation. He believes the Indian government is using its influence on the UK to silence critics, describing the repression faced by Sikhs as "relentless."
In 2023, a prominent Sikh activist was killed in Canada after claiming intelligence suggested he was being targeted by the Indian government. US prosecutors accused an Indian agent of directing the attempted assassination of another American citizen. These cases are part of a growing trend of transnational repression, with foreign governments increasingly targeting dissidents on UK soil.
The UK has seen a 48% increase in investigations into state threats since 2022, according to MI5. The joint committee on human rights has listed India as a country of concern alongside China and Russia.
Pamma claims he has been subjected to repeated threats and intimidation since moving to the UK, including receiving threatening phone calls and having visitors arrive at his home with guns in broad daylight. Despite this, police have struggled to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
The Indian government views the Khalistan movement as a terrorist threat and campaigns for its disbandment. The UK has pursued closer ties with India, signing a trade deal in May 2023 – one of the biggest prizes of Brexit.
Pamma's case highlights concerns about the UK's handling of security threats from foreign governments and the need to balance diplomatic relations with the protection of dissenting voices.
A Sikh activist in the UK is getting threatened by Hindu nationalists linked to the Indian government because he's speaking out against India's human rights abuses... meanwhile, the UK is basically letting them do it 
. I mean, the police are telling him to step up security measures at his home because they've got threats coming from unknown numbers, but that's not good enough. What kind of messaging does that send? 
. And now the UK is strengthening its ties with India despite all these allegations? Come on, that's just not right 
. We should be able to do both... but it looks like that's not an option right now 
The fact that a Sikh activist in the UK is receiving threats due to his activism for an independent Sikh state raises serious concerns about the safety and security of critics of foreign governments. It's alarming that the Indian government is using its influence to silence dissenting voices, and it highlights the need for the UK to find a balance between diplomatic relations and protecting human rights. The police's struggle to take decisive action against the perpetrators only adds to the complexity of this issue. We must ensure that our democratic values are not compromised by external pressures 
. Threats against Sikhs in the UK are unacceptable, period 
. The Indian government's actions speak volumes about their priorities 
. Meanwhile, we're supposed to be praising the UK for strengthening ties with India? 
Newsflash: human rights shouldn't be a negotiable commodity 
. Can we just focus on keeping our citizens safe without resorting to silencing dissenting voices? 
Not on my watch 
. Let's not forget that our security agencies should be protecting us from actual threats, not just silencing dissenting voices 
.
. paramjeet singh pamma is right 2 speak out & the uk shud support him not just cover up for india 
. We need better security measures in place to safeguard our citizens who dare to speak out against their governments 
.
And the fact that the UK police are warning Paramjeet Singh Pamma to step up security at his home because of threats from Hindu nationalist elements is just wild 
. it's crazy how the Indian government is trying to silence critics abroad too. 48% increase in investigations into state threats since 2022? that's wild 
. the UK needs to balance its ties with India while protecting dissenting voices 
paramjeet singh pamma thinks its all bout silencing critics & i feel him, esp since theres other sikhs whove also reported threats... its like, r u kidding me?! 
. The UK needs to take a closer look at how they're handling these security threats and make sure they're not getting intimidated into silence. We need to stand up for our rights to free speech, even if it means ruffling some feathers 
.
. The UK needs to do better in balancing diplomacy with security concerns 
. This is just another example of transnational repression, and we can't let it happen here 
Pamma's case is so crazy and I feel bad for him... poor guy has been getting these threatening calls and visits with guns and stuff... that would freak anyone out 