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General Assembly of SCUK appoints 6th Administration

With the grace of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the 6th Administration of Sikh Council UK (2020-22) has been formed following due process on 26 September 2020.  Following a month-long successful membership drive, over 100 delegates of the General Assembly approved the new Executive Committee.

This new team consists of talented individuals who bring a wide range of skills with Gurdwara and professional experience https://sikhcouncil.co.uk/ourteam/. Since it’s inception ten years ago, SCUK has seen the largest number of female representatives in the Executive Committee. This is a testimony to Guru Nanak Dev Jee’s universal message of oneness and equality.

The following were selected as the five office bearers:

Following the historic model of the Panth, Secretary-General Gurpreet Singh Anand shared the vision of the collective leadership of the five office bearers (Panj Pardhani):

“The Sikh Council UK is an inclusive platform for Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations, contributing in delivering the collective vision of a united Sikh diaspora. Focused on positive outcomes for the advancement of Sikhi, based on Gurmat values.”

We are all looking forward to working with our existing and new members to address Sikh matters at all levels. Our priority is to support Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations during these unprecedented times.

We invite you to join up and become active members, be part of the collective Sikh voice in the United Kingdom. Membership for joining Sikh Council UK is still open, so please go on online to http://www.sikhcouncil.co.uk/membership and sign up. We look forward to welcoming you all on board.

See Full Press Release: GA Press Release -29:09:20

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Surjit Singh Dusanjh

Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

 Manmagun Singh Randhawa

Assistant Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

Media enquiries: 07496505907 / info@sikhcouncil.co.uk

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Sikh Council UK succeeds in safeguarding trademark (Eng/Punjabi)

ਸਿਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਯੂ.ਕੇ ਦੇ ਟਰੇਡਮਾਰਕ ਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆ ਵਲੋਂ ਕਾਬਜ਼ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਯਤਨ ਅਸਫਲ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ।

ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੀਹਰਾ ਦੇ ਵਕੀਲਾ ਵਲੋਂ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਆਪਣੀ ਅਰਜ਼ੀ ਵਾਪਿਸ ਲੈ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਅਗਾਹ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਤਰਾ ਦੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਨਹੀ ਕਰਨਗੇ।

ਜ਼ਿਕਰਯੋਗ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਅਰਜ਼ੀ ਗੁਪਤ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਮੈਂਬਰਾ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਤੋ ਬਿਨਾ ੨੦ ਜੂਨ ੨੦੨੦ ਨੂੰ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਵਲੋਂ ਬਲਦੇਵ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੈਂਸ ਦੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਨਾਲ ਭੇਜੀ ਗਈ।ਭਾਈ ਜੋਗਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ੨੨ ਸਤੰਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਪੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਕਿ ਏਸ ਕਨੂੰਨੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਦਾ ਫੈਸਲਾ ਕੁਝ ਬੋਰਡ ਆਫ ਜਥੇਦਾਰਾ ਵਲੋ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਇਸ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਬਾਕੀ ਬੋਰਡ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਨਹੀ ਸੀ ਨਾ ਦੇਣੀ ਜਰੂਰੀ ਸਮਝਿਆ ਗਿਆ।

ਭਾਈ ਜੋਗਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਸਮੇਤ ਏਸ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਿਲ ਜਥੇਦਾਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਜਨਰਲ ਇਜਲਾਸ ਵਲੋਂ ਸੇਵਾ ਮੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਦਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਿਖ ਸੰਗਤਾ ਦੀ ਮਾਯਾ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਸਿਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਨੂੰ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ੧੦ ਸਾਲਾ ਤੋ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨਾ ਵਲੋ ਭੇਟ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੀ ਦੁਰਵਰਤੋ, ਬੇਲੋੜੀਆ ਕਨੂੰਨੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈਆ ਤੇ ਨਾ ਖਰਚੀ ਜਾਵੇ।

ਸਿਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਦੀ ਪਿਛਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਐਗਜ਼ੈਕਿਊਟਿਵ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਨੇ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਖਰਚ ਤਂੋ ਸਿਰਫ ਸਿਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਦੀ ਸੰਪਤੀ ਦੀ ਸੁਰਿਖਆ ਲਈ ਕਨੂੰਨੀ ਕਦਮ ਚੁਕੇ ਜੋ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਾਲ ਹਾਲੇ ਤੱਕ ਸਫਲ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।

Sikh Council UK succeeds in safeguarding trademark (Eng/Punjabi)

In the last few months, Sikh Council UK has emerged from a transformative period and has established a new, sixth administration to lead, support and deliver on Sikh issues. However, we are concerned that the sangat’s financial donations are potentially being used to cover expensive irresponsible legal costs.

As you may be aware, recently, the opponents of the positive changes have repeatedly attempted to sabotage, seize and tarnish the goodwill and assets of the organisation. Sikh Council UK is funded by paid delegates of the General Assembly who have contributed generously through membership fees and donations.

The previous administration, in which Jatinder Singh served as Secretary-General became aware of a personal trademark application filed by Ranjit Singh Seehra assisted by Baldev Singh Bains on 20th June 2020 claiming ownership of the SCUK (https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00003502894) logo.

It was confirmed by Bhai Joga Singh on the 22nd September 2020 that this action was sanctioned by a splinter group of Board of Jathedars without the knowledge of the entire board, against the principles and the constitution of the SCUK. These Board of Jathedars, including Bhai Joga Singh, have since been dismissed by the General Assembly for their actions and for bringing the institution into disrepute.

We can confirm that as of yesterday, as a result of strong legal action by our team, solicitors representing Ranjit Singh Seehra pledged he will be “withdrawing the trademark application forthwith, and will not make any similar trademark application in future”. We are thankful to Ranjit Singh Seehra for the maturity he has exercised in withdrawing his wrongly sought trademark application.

SCUK will always act in the best interest of the Sikh Community and has not had to use any Sangat funds in protecting the assets of the Council.

 

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Surjit Singh Dusanjh

Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

Manmagun Singh Randhawa

Assistant Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

Media enquiries: 07496505907 / info@sikhcouncil.co.uk

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Sikh Council UK joint statement with Cranfield Community College on Kirpan issue

Representatives of Sikh Council UK and Cranford Community College met today in relation to an issue that arose about the wearing of a Kirpan at the College. The meeting was positive and constructive and clarity was established over misunderstandings between the College and two Sikh students affected by the matter.

Contrary to some reports the students were never excluded and attended the College today wearing their Sikh articles of faith including the Kirpan. Sikh Council UK and the College will continue to work together in further reviewing and developing the existing policy of the College going forward to ensure better clarity and avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

All parties acknowledged the excellent track record of the College in promoting community harmony which has been recognised locally and nationally on numerous occasions. Both Sikh Council UK and Cranford Community College are committed to working in partnership going forward on these matters.

Sikh Council UK Head of Operations Balvinder Kaur said “We are pleased to have resolved the matter and clarify any misunderstandings that had arisen and we look forward to working with the College going forward. The importance of casework around Sikh articles of faith means we all have a responsibility to have due consideration to the facts and be mindful of what is reported on social media”.

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Sikh Council UK congratulates Sikh community of Pakistan on Sikh marriage law

Sikh Council UK welcomes the passing of the Punjab Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017 in Punjab Pakistan. The new law was tabled as a private members bill by Ramesh Singh Arora and received unanimous support in the provincial Punjab Assembly in Pakistan.

The law is the first of its kind in the world and provides for the solemnisation and registration of Sikh marriages in Pakistan Punjab. The new law defines a Sikh marriage – Anand Karaj – as being a lawful union between a Sikh male and Sikh female. It provides a definition of a Sikh in accordance with the Sikh Rehit Maryada.

Sikh Council UK Secretary General Jagtar Singh said “This is a historical achievement for the Pakistan Sikh community and I have passed on our collective congratulations and well wishes to S. Ramesh Singh Arora, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Pakistan High Commission in London. It is pleasing to see the law was passed on the same day Sikhs in Pakistan and indeed the world celebrated the 550th Nanakshahi Sikh new-year”.

Enclosure: the text of the new law is attached to this press release for reference

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Sikh Council UK welcomes legal steps on 1984 disclosures

Sikh Council UK welcomes the legal steps being undertaken to seek disclosure of any British link to Operation Blue Star in 1984. Freelance journalist Phil Miller is pursuing a claim before the Freedom of Information Tribunal for disclosure of the files that have not been released under the 30 year rule. Separately Sikh Federation UK is commencing proceedings for a judicial review of the Government’s decision not to agree to an independent enquiry into British involvement in the events of 1984 following the Government recently re-affirming its decision not to institute an independent enquiry.

Sikh Council UK Spokesperson Jagjit Singh said “We have been calling for full disclosure since it was revealed four years ago that the British Government had provided military planning advice to the Indian authorities in the lead up to 1984 attack against the backdrop of seeking to procure defence contracts. We have also maintained that the review undertaken by Sir Jeremy Heywood into the matter was unfinished business and there was a need for a more wide ranging and independent enquiry which the Labour Party committed to in its manifesto prior to the last election and reaffirmed the promise in recent correspondence to Sikh Council UK. Whilst the recent legal processes are ongoing and could be subject to appeals and further processes we repeat our call to the Government to provide the community with the full truth of what happened during that period of history. Whilst the current Government is not responsible for what may have occurred over 30 years ago it does have an obligation to disclose the truth of the matter.”

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Merlin Group adopts new kirpan policy

Sikh Council UK is pleased to report Merlin Entertainments Group has adopted a policy agreeing to Sikhs wearing kirpans at its venues in the United Kingdom. The company is the largest European entertainments group operating in Europe and runs 124 attractions across the world. The company’s venues in the United Kingdom include Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquariums, the Seal Sanctuaries, Legoland, the Dungeons, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle, Shreks Adventures and the Blackpool Tower.

The London Eye venue is however an exception to the policy and the existing restrictions in place at this site will continue to apply but there is a commitment to revisiting this in the future. The new policy will come into effect from Saturday 17th March 2018 and follows a company review of the carrying of articles of faith into its attractions. The company has stipulated that Sikhs will be able to wear kirpans at the company’s venues subject to its conditions that the kirpans measure no larger than 6” in length in total including the handle and cover, are worn underneath clothing/ out of view and worn securely particularly in relation to rollercoaster rides.

Sikh Council UK Chair of Community Safety Ravjeet Singh said “We welcome the decision of Merlin Entertainments Group to adopt a new policy on kirpans. We will monitor developments and continue to work with the company to try to find an agreeable solution for the London Eye. Overall this is a positive development and builds on the policies adopted at other leisure industry venues over the past year under existing frameworks following consultations with Sikh Council UK. This remains a key priority area for Sikh Council UK and is work in progress in which we continue to make representations including on keeping restrictive conditions to a minimum including on size. We encourage any Sikhs facing difficulties wearing their kirpans or other kakkars to get into contact with Sikh Council UK at the earliest opportunity.”

Merlin Entertainments Group Head of Security Eric Dench said “Merlin Entertainments Group recognises that patrons attending its venues come from diverse communities and faiths and we are pleased to adopt a policy on the wearing of kirpans by Sikhs following a review of the carrying of articles of faith at our venues. The policy underlines the company’s commitment to respecting the importance of the kirpan to Sikhs and it provides clarity to all concerned about the arrangements going forward. We are grateful to Sikh Council UK for their assistance and will continue to work with them in the future”.

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Sikh Council UK welcomes Point of Order by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP; following up concerns with Government

Sikh Council UK has welcomed the Point of Order in Parliament by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP today detailing the race hate attack on Ravneet Singh outside Parliament last week. He mentioned the importance of the turban to Sikhs and called on the authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice. Tanmanjeet Singh also highlighted concerns with the omission of Sikhs from the Government’s Hate Crime Action Plan.

Sikh Council UK Secretary General Jagtar Singh said “We welcome Tanmanjeet Singh’s Point of Order in the House of Commons today. It is important that hate crimes are accurately recorded and monitored to effectively tackle the issue. We will be making representations to the Government in connection with the review of the Hate Crime Action Plan to address Sikh concerns and to further support the accurate recording and monitoring of hate crimes against Sikhs”.

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Sikh Council UK raises concerns with Met Police on Sikh race hate attack

Sikh Council UK has today raised its concerns with the Metropolitan Police following the attack on Ravneet Singh. The attack, which took place on Wednesday in the Parliament estate whilst Ravneet Singh, CEO of EcoSikh, was waiting to enter the Portcullis House to see MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. A man shouted ‘go home Muslim’ and attempted to remove his Dastar (turban).

Sikh Council UK Chair of Community Safety Ravjeet Singh said “The Dastar is of huge religious significance to a Sikh and it is shocking this attack took place at the centre of our democracy. Sikh Council UK has taken up the matter with the Met Police structures and we look forward to progress with the criminal investigation”.

He added “This case is another illustration of Sikhs facing attacks where the perpetrators are motivated by Islamophobia. It is important that hates crimes like these are logged appropriately with the police authorities and Sikh Aware UK, the monitoring platform for the hate crime for the Sikh community in the UK. Sikh Aware UK was established in partnership with leading community organisations last year and can be accessed on

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Sikh Council UK calls on Foreign Secretary to intervene in Jagtar Singh Johal case

Sikh Council UK has today called on the Foreign Secretary to meet with the family of Jagtar Singh Johal and to raise the case again with his counterpart in India. This follows the Indian authorities today seeking a further three months to detain Jagtar without charge and confirmation of allegation of torture having been relayed to the British consulate authorities by Jagtar.

Sikh Council UK Chair of Indian Subcontinent Affairs Gurdial Singh Atwal said “It is now three months since Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested and he remains in detention without charge and today the National Investigation Agency has sought another three months to hold Jagtar and others without laying any charges. We understand Jagtar Singh has informed the British consulate authorities in India he was tortured by the Punjab Police in the days following his arrest, but the Indian authorities continue to deny British consular staff private access or to arrange an independent medical examination. We are now calling for this matter to be escalated and pursued at the highest level and for pressure to be exerted on the Indian Government similar to British Government intervention in other cases”.

He added “In the past week we saw the release of a report by the human-rights body REDRESS challenging the British Government for not doing enough to support victims of unjust imprisonment and torture in foreign jails. Whist it is acknowledged and appreciated that regular consulate visits have been maintained in the past couple of months it is concerning that not a lot appears to have happened despite the allegations of torture having been relayed to the authorities by Jagtar Singh.”

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Sikh Council UK calls for arrest of Jagdish Tytler

Sikh Council UK has joined the calls from Sikhs in India and across the world for the immediate arrest of Jagdish Tytler following the release of video footage appearing to be of a sting operation in which Tytler confessed to involvement in the anti-Sikh killings in Delhi in 1984 and mocked the campaign for justice for the victims.

The footage which it is reported was anonymously handed into Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee was released by President Manjit Singh GK yesterday and shows Tytler referring to involvement in the killing of a hundred Sikhs but saying in provocative terms the only thing happening was enquiry upon enquiry, nothing would happen (to him) and he refers to his links in the judiciary. He also refers to offers of political office given to him by the Indian Congress Party and of a media campaign targeting his son.

Sikh Council UK Chair of Indian Subcontinent Affairs Gurdial Singh Atwal said “This footage is shocking but not surprising in the brazen and contemptuous attitude of Tytler and other Indian politicians and the culture of legal and political impunity within which they have operated over the past 33 years. We note Tytler has reportedly denied it is him in the video footage but then again he has been denying his role in the anti-Sikh pograms in Delhi despite clear eye witness evidence implicating him in orchestration of the killings.

He added “Tytler’s comments in the video footage are a confession of his involvement in the killings and we are calling upon the relevant authorities to arrest him forthwith. We note with interest the video footage was handed in anonymously to the Sikh community in Delhi a week after Tytler himself publicly revealed that Rajiv Gandhi the then newly appointed Prime Minister travelled around the streets of Delhi with Tytler on 1st November suggesting the orchestration in the killings went all the way to the top to the Prime Minister personally. We call upon all Sikh institutions and organisations in Delhi and Punjab to pursue a renewed campaign to uncover the full truth behind the state-sponsored killing of Sikhs in 1984 and deliver justice to the victims.”

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