London, October 2 – A group gathered outside the High Commission of India in London on Monday, demanding justice for Sikh activist Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda. The protest, organized by British Sikh groups and promoted on social media, aimed to draw attention to the suspicious death of Khanda. The demonstrators brandished anti-India placards and chanted slogans, calling for a thorough investigation into Khanda’s death.
The protest comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of wanted terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, a claim strongly rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Sikh community aims to highlight domestic issues, particularly the deaths of activists like Khanda.
The Metropolitan Police maintained a visible presence during the demonstration, with uniformed officers guarding India House and patrolling the area. Despite the small group of protesters, their speeches in Punjabi and pro-Khalistan slogans resonated throughout the two-hour-long protest.
Earlier in the day, the Sikh Federation (UK) held a press conference to announce a formal request for an inquest into the death of Avtar Singh Khanda. The family’s barrister, Michael Polak, stressed the need for an investigation due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Khanda’s passing. Although the local West Midlands Police had initially stated that there were no suspicious circumstances, questions still loom regarding the timing of Khanda’s death and the death threats he had received prior.
The cause of death, determined through post-mortem examination, was stated as acute leukemia or blood cancer. However, the Sikh community believes there is more to uncover and demands a thorough inquiry into Khanda’s death.
FAQs:
1. What was the purpose of the protest in London?
The protest aimed to demand justice for Sikh activist Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda, whose death is considered suspicious. It also highlighted the alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
2. What were the key allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau?
Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. However, these claims have been strongly rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Why did the Sikh community request an inquest into Avtar Singh Khanda’s death?
The timing of Khanda’s death and the death threats he had received prior led to suspicions surrounding his passing. The community believes that a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the truth.
4. What was the official cause of Avtar Singh Khanda’s death?
The official cause of death, determined through post-mortem examination, was acute leukemia or blood cancer.