Efforts continued during this month predominantly on the campaign of arrest of Paramjeet Singh Pamma – below are some of the continued activities by Sikh Council UK
5th February 2016 supported the global Sikh Justice rally relating to the arrest of Paramjeet Singh Pamma
6th February 2016 Executive Committee during which discussion continued about actions and role of Sikh Council UK relating to the above campaign
6th February 2016 A National Sikh Seminar and dinner event called ‘Guru Nanaks Republic’ was organised by Sikh Council UK hosted by Leicestershire Sikh Alliance Honorary guest speakers included: Harinder Singh, Ex CEO Sikh Research Institute (Texas) Jagmeet Singh, Deputy Leader Ontario New Democrats (Canada). The event proved to be a great success with attendance of over 300 guests.
12th February 2016 Sikh Council UK gladly shares the breaking news of release of Paramjeet Singh Pamma Minister of Justice Francisca Van Dunem REJECTS India’s extradition request and immediately arrangement are made for the safe return to UK for Paramjeet who travelled later that evening along with the lawyers who successfully fought his case.
Sikh Council UK took up a matter with Learndirect assessment Centre in East Midlands after a candidate attending the centre to pursue her ‘Life in the UK test’ was approached disrespectfully when asked to remove her patka during security searches. Having written to the centre with the concerns raised they immediately offered a formal apology and agreed to relook at the protocol of handling such matters.
Airport search issue relating to the conduct during security searches at Debrecen Airport were taken further by Sikh Council UK having not had a satisfactory response from the security company responsible for searches or the aviation authority. Unfortunately having pursued this with consulate general of Hungary also bared no joy. Since such incidents where possible dastaar/patka wearing passengers are advised by Sikh Council UK to carry a copy of the EU regulation directive for European airport searches, when travelling.
