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The Sikh Council UK expresses concern over rising community tensions in the UK due to events in India. We feel that India’s current domestic policy endangers the communal harmony between different communities of Indian origin in the UK, especially minorities like the Sikhs.

Since the onset of the farmers’ protest, there has been a campaign led by the Hindu nationalist government in India to demonise the protestors. Propaganda by India’s ruling party falsely suggests that this is a Sikh/Punjab driven agitation. The truth is that the protest consists of Indian citizens from different states with diverse religious, cultural and political views. This has led to religious tension in India, we feel this could trigger similar unrest in the UK.

Generally, Sikhs and Hindus of Indian origin have lived together peacefully in the UK. However, in recent months, there has been an increase in anti-Sikh hate rhetoric from supporters of the Hindu nationalist government in India. Many supporters of the farmers’ protest, including climate-activists, journalists and UK parliamentarians have been subjected to hateful online abuse containing racial and sexual undertones. We urge anyone receiving hate-crime to report this to the police immediately.

Last week, UK based group, ‘Inspiring Indian Women’ sparked outrage through an inflammatory tweet: “Punjab needs to be cleansed of lots of cobweb. They forgot the massacre after Indira”. This has led to resignation of its patron Virendra Sharma MP who is also the chair of Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group.

In Australia, a right-wing Hindutva group allegedly threatened to lead a march past a Gurdwara that could have led to violence. As there is some indication of lockdown coming to an end here in the UK, we are fearful that we will see a series of protests and counter-protests on this divisive issue that may collide.

Gurpreet Singh Anand, Secretary General of SCUK said, “The anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in November 1984 are a traumatic memory for the Sikh Community. Social media has been plagued with reminders of the Sikh Genocide and allusions to a repetition of ‘history the Sikhs have forgotten’. We have seen the dangers of inciteful propaganda in the USA. This behaviour is a threat to the cohesive social fabric of Britain, it must stop.”

India’s ruling party, the BJP make no secret of their ‘IT Cell’. There is evidence to suggest a similar international syndicate network and we fear the UK is being targeted to propagate Hindu Nationalist extremism known as Hindutva. The Sikh Council UK has written to the High Commission of India, London to urge them to condemn ‘Hindutva’ hate-crime conducted by people of Indian origin in the UK.

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There is global outrage in response to India’s handling of the farmers’ protests. From the onset of this historic movement, there has been a direct campaign to malign and demonise the farmers. Sadly, state-favoured media, politicians and various influencers have contributed to a dangerous narrative that harbours religious tension and polarity. An extremely offensive manifestation of this is the gathering of anti-social mobs outside Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib which marks the spot Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee (our ninth Guru) laid his life to deliver the Hindu faith from an existential crisis. Despite this, farmers from all parts of India are continuing to join and strengthen their collective voice against the anti-farmer laws. 

Last month, the Sikh Council UK issued a ‘red alert‘ that was undersigned by over 180 Gurdwaras and Sikh Organisations that forewarned further violence. A survey conducted simultaneously showed that 93% of the UK Sikhs’ felt that human rights violations would increase’. 

Sadly, this has proven to be true. The Sikh Council UK has verified the following reports emerging from the ground:
 

  • Attacks on protest sites by gangs enabled to do so by the police which passively observes criminal activity 
  • Some members of these mobs have been identified as allies of India’s ruling party, the BJP. 
  • Clear use of disproportionate force by the police, deliberate provocation and desecration of Sikh religious articles, including the dastaar (Sikh Turban) and Kesh (hair). 
  • The removal of water, electricity and essential supplies to some protest sites. 
  • The suspension of internet and communication services 
  • The arrest of independent media personnel, especially those involved in investigative journalism.  
  • A increasing number of missing persons amongst the protestors
     

The above demonstrates the state is actively breaching the protestors’ fundamental human rights and is complicit in criminal activity. 

PM Narendra Modi has a troublesome past stained by the bloodbath of the 2002 Gujrat Riots. This only compounds our present concerns. Today, in his national radio broadcast, PM Modi has incited hatred amongst his supporters (known as bhakts‘)  by falsely claiming desecration of the National Flag on January 26th. This deliberate recklessness leaves us in no uncertainty as to the intentions of the Indian state.  

We urge immediate international intervention and unbiased coverage by the world press. In light of recent events, Gurdwaras are considering bans on Indian diplomats and politicians visiting Gurdwaras in an official capacity in the UK.

We are certain that the immediate actions of the Indian Government will shape Sikh attitudes for generations. Farming is intrinsic is to the Sikh community; the threat to Indian agriculture affects us disproportionately. Sikh history has a proven record of resilience against tyranny. We call for our community both on the ground and in the diaspora to remain vigilant. 

 

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Whilst we’re all worried about the new stains of COVID19, there is a worrying financial strain on our religious institutions, many of which may not be able to recuperate.

Sikh Council UK, the largest representative platform of Sikh Gurdwaras and organisations, surveyed member Gurdwaras – the results are worrying. Sadly, for a chance of survival, without a miracle, Gurdwaras will have to stop their aid projects to the wider community.

See our report here

 

This SCUK COVID19 Guidance 070121 definitive document is produced as a collaboration between the Sikh Council UK and the Sikh Doctors Association.

It takes effect (legally) from 6th January, 2021.

Official Government guidance

In the event of any conflict between any applicable legislation (including the health and safety legislation) and this guidance, the applicable legislation shall prevail.

For the full Government guidance, please visit :

National lockdown: Stay at Home – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship from 2 December – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Tier 5 will remain in place until February 15th 2021, when it will be reviewed.

 

Who is this guidance aimed at?

This guidance is of a general nature and should be treated as a guide.

It is primarily advice to gurdwara management committees on how to currently manage covid-19 risk to ensure a safe, covid-secure environment in which the sangat can access the Gurdwara.

It also contains advice for the sangat on how to visit the gurdwara safely – this two way responsibility is vital, as the management alone cannot ensure covid-19 risk is minimised.

 

Why are Gurdwaras open in lockdown?

The Government, along with its advisory Task Force, produces guidance which is based on the most robust evidence available, the expertise of the chief UK scientists and doctors and Faith leaders. Once released, it is legally enforceable under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The Prime Minister announced a blanket lockdown for the whole of England, under Tier 5 rules. This lockdown differs to the first lockdown in March 2020.

Tier 5 guidance allows Gurdwaras to remain open, subject to strict risk management and controls. This guidance will detail how to stay open safely, as the norm.

Why the change?

The UK is under the increasing grip of the new variant in the SARS Cov-2 virus:

  • It has been both frustrating and alarming to see the speed with which the new coronavirus variant is spreading and causing the majority of new cases.
  • Scientists have confirmed this new variant is 70% more transmissible than the previous virus, meaning MORE PEOPLE will get infected MORE EASILY.
  • This is confirmed today with the highest daily death rate of 1,041 deaths against a backdrop of over 60,000 new daily cases.
  • The number of covid-19 patients in hospital is 40% higher than the peak in the first wave. The NHS is at severe risk of being overwhelmed.

 

What is the new system in operation?

The Government have replaced the previous lockdown with a revised 5-tier ‘traffic light’ system in May 2020:

What should the Gurdwara do?

General hygiene and safety advice remains the same as in previous guidance. But enforcement needs to be stricter, with:

  • Hand washing – essential with soap for 20 seconds, as the 3rd mutation spreads more via touch/contact
  • Social distancing at 2m minimum being vital.
  • A face covering must be worn inside the Gurdwara – a legal requirement.

It may help to have an authoritative letter displayed at the entrance, signed by the Pardhaan, stating that mandatory rules are enforced at the Gurdwara and the overriding priority is safety of the sangat. Wearing a mask is primarily to help others, by spreading less potential infection. The covid marshalls can reserve the right to deny entry to the Gurdwara by non-compliant individuals to maintain safety of the majority.

Each individual Gurdwara is strongly advised to apply this guidance with reference to its own specific circumstances, including its size and type of activities, how it is organised, operated, managed and regulated.

It remains the responsibility of the Gurdwara Management Committee to ensure that it carries out a risk assessment in relation to safety of each function during the current pandemic of COVID-19.

Management committees are advised to appoint a dedicated, informed covid-19 team with a senior covid-19 lead. They may seek the advice of their local covid-19 expert and adopt best governance.

 

Who can attend the Gurdwara?

Whilst all sangat is welcome, compliance with the gurdwara rules is vital – this needs to be displayed on the entrance doors, signed by the Pardhaan.

Those who are clinically vulnerable, or shielding, should avoid going to the gurdwara. See link for detail: Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Remember, you may have covid-19 without any symptoms. If you have been in contact with any covid positive person, please isolate at home and DO NOT VISIT THE GURDWARA for 10 days.

If you have symptoms of covid-19, go for a covid test. DO NOT VISIT THE GURDWARA until you have recovered (minimum 10 days away).

 

Numbers attending Gurdwara and sitting in Diwan

Communal worship is still allowed in all tiers.

For Gurdwaras, this means that normal diwans can take place (akhand path, katha, kirtan and dhadis etc).

Do continue to broadcast services online for those who need to stay at home or are able to mark the event at home to avoid large gatherings

However we stress that Gurdwara Management Committees should take into account and include:

  • Limit sangat members entering and sitting in darbar sahib – should be decided on the basis of the capacity of the Gurdwara hall following an assessment of risk. The hall capacity number must be displayed on the entrance to the hall.
  • For Gurdwaras with multiple halls and multiple programmes, please be aware of the impact of one programme on another. Stagger timings of programmes if you can.
  • Try and minimise cross interference of moving sangat from hall to hall and cross gatherings within the Gurdwara.
  • A key risk time is the sangat leaving en masse after bhog. This must be specifically managed as it has a knock on effect at the degh area, stairs, corridor and jora ghar.
  • Covid marshalls (sevadar) must monitor likely pinch points and busy areas (such as entrances, exits, foyer). Consider a formal rota to ensure cover.
  • People should sit in darbar sahib with a minimum 2m social distancing – floor markings are advised.
  • One-way routes should operate clearly inside the hall, with a separate exit.
  • Good ventilation in the hall (open windows, keep doors open)
  • Hand sanitizers should be made available.

Ensure there is ongoing monitoring of the numbers within the diwan hall.

Kirtan

As communal worship is allowed in all tiers, this means that Kirtan is allowed. As such, there is no restriction in doing safe Kirtan in the Gurdwara. Examples of

good practice:

  • Kirtani Jatha to observe social distancing on stage if possible,
  • Set up rope barriers separating stage and Sangat from Kirtani Jatha
  • 4m distance between kirtani jatha and the front sangat

Guidance on suggested principles of safer singing can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing

Langar

There is no restriction on serving langar in the tiers

Langar is part of communal worship, in the principles of ‘Pangat and Sangat’. However a careful risk assessment must be carried out when preparing and serving Langar.

We recommend as per the government guidance for cafes, langar is provided as direct service to those seated in pangat, to avoid queuing and touching of utensils, and if possible use disposable utensils. Please see our previous guidance for examples of good practice that Gurdwaras already have in place.

However in Tier 5, as the third mutation is particularly transmissible by touch and contact, there is an absolute need to have the strictest system in operation for considering if Langar to be consumed at the Gurdwara:

  • Covid marshalls at the entrance to langar hall to control sangat flow
  • Sangat to be seated on the floor, at least 2m apart and all facing one direction
  • A minimum langar offering is advised
  • No talking or grouping allowed in the langar hall
  • Adequate ventilation in place
  • Increased cleaning of the hall in line with the turnover of sangat

An alternative is for langar to be prepared and then given to Sangat as “take-away” to be consumed at their premises (homes).

Meeting other people in the Gurdwara

You cannot meet anyone inside the Gurdwara outside of your bubble. No standing in corridors, or chatting or close body contact (such as shaking hands).

Anand Karaj

Wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations are not permitted to take place.

 Where possible, a wedding can only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example, an urgent marriage where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover.

Weddings are restricted to 6 people for weddings being done in exceptional circumstances.

No food or drink should be consumed as a part of the event.

Please refer to: COVID-19: Guidance for wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Funerals

Funerals must have no more than 30 people attending for all  tiers.

There are no changes in numbers. But, no food or drink should be consumed as a part of the event.

Please refer to previous SC UK funeral guidance.

Test and trace

Gurdwaras can consider participating in the Test and Trace system by keeping a temporary record of visitors for 21 days (this is not compulsory). We do recommend that consent is taken. NHS Test and Trace may request your help in contact tracing and in the investigation of local outbreaks.

You can also display official NHS QR code posters so that those with the mobile app can scan if they choose.

 

ਖੇਤੀ ਸੰਕਟ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਵਲੋਂ ਹੁਣੇ ਜਿਹੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਸਰਵੇਖਣ ‘ਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਏ 93% ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਹ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਪਾਸ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਨਵੇਂ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਕਾਨੂੰਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਵਧੇਗੀ। ਹਾਲਾਤ ਵੇਖਦਿਆ ਇਸੇ ਸੰਦਰਭ ਵਿਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਸਮੂਹ ਜਥੇਬੰਦੀਆਂ, ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾ ਨੂੰ ਹੇਠ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਬਿਆਨ ਉੱਤੇ ਦਸਤਖਤ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਅਪੀਲ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ:

ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਦੀਆਂ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾਂ, ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਸਮੂਹਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਾਂਝਾ ਬਿਆਨ:

‘ਸਾਨੂੰ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਵਿਚ ਸ਼ਾਂਤਮਈ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਲੱਗੇ ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਿਤ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਬਾਰੇ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਵੱਧ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਸਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸੂਚਨਾਵਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਕਿਸਾਨੀ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਖ਼ੇਤਰ ਦਾ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਬਾਕੀ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਤੋੜਣ ਲਈ ‘ਇੰਟਰਨੈੱਟ ਜੈਮਰ ’ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਮੋਰਚੇ ਦੇ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿਚ ਅਰਧ ਸੈਨਿਕ ਬਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਤਾਇਨਾਤੀ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਸੰਭਾਵੀ ਖ਼ਤਰੇ ਦਾ ਸੰਕੇਤ ਦੇ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਬੁਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਹਾਂ।

ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਹਕੂਮਤ ਦੇ ਮੰਤਰੀਆਂ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਹਮਾਇਤੀ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਧਾਰਾ ਦੇ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਵਲੋਂ ਕਿਸਾਨੀ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਨੂੰ ਢਾਹ ਲਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਧੂੰਆਂ-ਧਾਰ ਕੂੜ-ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਤੇਜ਼ੀ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਕੂੜ-ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਦਾ ਮਕਸਦ ਕਿਸਾਨੀ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਤੇ ਹਮਾਇਤੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਦਨਾਮ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ। ਅਸੀਂ ਆਸ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਝੂਠੀ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਮੁਜ਼ਾਹਰਾਕਾਰੀ ਕਿਸਾਨਾ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਵਿਚ ਸੰਭਾਵਿਤ ਹਿੰਸਾ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਜਨਤਕ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਕਿਰਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਢੁੱਕਵਾਂ ਬਹਾਨਾ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੇ।

ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ 4 ਦਸੰਬਰ 2020 ਨੂੰ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰ ਦੇ ਸਕੱਤਰ-ਜਨਰਲ, ਐਂਟੋਨੀਓ ਗੁਟੇਰੇਸ ਦੇ ਇਕ ਬੁਲਾਰੇ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ, “ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਬਾਕੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਵਾਂਗ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀਪੂਰਨ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਵਿਚ ਕੋਈ ਖਲਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਾਉਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ”’

ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਦਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਾ ਮੁੜ ਦੁਹਰਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅਸੀਂ ਹੱਕ ਮੰਗ ਰਹੇ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਪੂਰੀ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹਤਾ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਖੜ੍ਹੇ ਹਾਂ। ਅਸੀਂ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ 9 ਦਸੰਬਰ 2020 ਨੂੰ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਆਗੂਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੀ ਅਗਲੀ ਬੈਠਕ ਸਫਲ ਰਹੇਗੀ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਕਾਨੂੰਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਰੱਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਕਿਸਾਨਾ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਵਿਚ ਕੌਮਾਂਤਰੀ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਵਿਆਪਕ ਹਮਦਰਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਹਮਾਇਤ ਨੂੰ ਅਣਗੌਲਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰੇਗੀ।

ਭਾਰਤ ਅੰਦਰ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਸ਼ਾਂਤਮਈ ਕਿਸਾਨੀ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਵਿਚ, ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਸਮੇਤ 10 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਸ਼ਾਂਤਮਈ ਜਨਤਕ ਵਿਰੋਧ-ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ।’

ਅੰਤ ਵਿਚ ਅਸੀਂ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਖੇਤੀ ਸੰਕਟ ਦੇ ਵਿਆਪਕ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨਕਾਰੀਆਂ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ, ਬੱਚੇ ਅਤੇ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ, ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਹਮਦਰਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੂਰਨ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਪੇਸ਼ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਅਪੀਲ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।’

 

In the initial findings of our survey on the agrarian crisis we found that 93% of respondents felt that human rights violations would increase with the new anti-farmer laws passed by the Government of India.

The Sikh Council UK urges all Organisations, Gurdwaras and Human Rights Groups to sign the below joint statement using the link:

https://standwithfarmers.org/farmers-red-alert/

Joint Statement by UK Organisations, Gurdwaras and Human Rights Groups

 

“We have growing concerns about potential human rights violations against farmers engaged in peaceful protests in Delhi. We have been alerted of the use of ‘internet jammers’ and are troubled by an increasing paramilitary presence deployed in the protest area.

We have already seen an unfortunate surge in fake information by politicians, individuals and mainstream media outlets engaged in a campaign to demonise the ann-datta (food basket) of the nation. We hope this is not a pretext to influence the public reaction to any possible future violence against those protesting.

On Friday 4th December 2020, a spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said:

“As to the question of India, what I would say to you is what I’ve said to others when raising these issues is that people have a right to demonstrate peacefully, and authorities need to let them do so”

The Sikh Community of the UK firmly stands with Indian farmers. We hope that the subsequent meeting of the Government with the Kisaan Union leaders on the 9th December 2020 is successful and the anti-farmer laws are repealed in their entirety.

The Government of India will not be oblivious to the widespread support for the farmers’ protests by the international community. This has been displayed in peaceful mass-protests in over ten countries, including the UK.

We urge the Government of India to consider the human impact of the agrarian crisis and act compassionately towards the protestors, many of whom are elderly.”

 

-END –

Surjit Singh Dusanjh

Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

Manmagun Singh Randhawa

Assistant Spokesperson, Sikh Council UK

This  takes effect from 2nd December 2020.

Read/print PDF here: SCUK December 2020 Lockdown Guidance

Background

The Government have replaced the second national lockdown with a revised three-tier ‘traffic light’ system:

Tier 1: Medium alert                          Tier 2: High alert                    Tier 3: Very High alert

Please visit the Governments website to see what tier your area is in. This will be updated regularly:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-list-of-local-restriction-tiers-by-area.

The tier system will remain in operation until March 2021. However the tiers will be assessed every 14 days and may change (up or down). There will be no local variations allowed in this latest tier system operations (previously, local authorities could supplement changes in addition to natioonal guidance).

The only difference for gurdwaras between the tiers is in how the Sangat can socialise (meet others) when within the Gurdawara.

Introduction

This guidance should be read with previous guidance issued by the Sikh Council UK, which can be found on our website.  General hygiene and safety advice remains the same as in previous guidance.

The latest updated Government guidance applicable from 2nd December can be accessed via: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-2-december

Each individual Gurdwara is strongly advised to apply this guidance with reference to its own specific circumstances, including its size and type of activities, how it is organised, operated, managed and regulated.

It remains the responsibility of the Gurdwara Management Committee to ensure that it carries out a risk assessment in relation to safety of each function during the current pandemic of COVID-19.

Management committees are advised to seek the advice of their local covid-19 expert and adopt best governance, with an appointed covid-19 lead.

Anand Karaj

National guidance is that Weddings are restricted to 15 people for all 3 tiers. Please refer to previous SCUK Anand Karaj guidance.  However, Gurdwaras might want contact their local authorities for further information.

Funerals

 Funerals must have no more than 30 people attending for all 3 tiers There are no changes in numbers. Please refer to previous SC UK funeral guidance.

Numbers attending Gurdwara and sitting in Diwan

Communal worship is now allowed in all 3 tiers. This means that normal diwans can take place (katha, kirtan and dhadis etc). However, we stress that Gurdwara Management Committees should take into account and include:

  • limits for Sangat members entering and sitting in darbar sahib – decide on the basis of the capacity of the Gurdwara following an assessment of risk.
  • people should sit in darbar sahib with 2m social distancing and masks worn.
  • sevadar monitoring of likely pinch points and busy areas (such as entrances, exits)
  • hand sanitizers should be made available.
  • one-way routes inside with an alternative exit.
  • adequate ventilation in the hall (open windows, keep doors open)

Ensure there is regular monitoring of numbers and distancing within the diwan hall.

Kirtan

As Communal worship is allowed in all 3 tiers, this means that Kirtan is allowed. As such, there is no restriction in doing Kirtan in the Gurdwara, subject to good practice, for example:

  • Kirtani Jatha to observe social distancing on stage.
  • Set up rope barriers separating Sangat from Kirtani Jatha

Guidance on suggested principles of safer singing can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing

Langar

Langar is part of communal worship, in the principles of ‘Pangat and Sangat’.

There is no restriction on serving langar in Tiers 1 and 2.  However a risk assessment must be carried out when preparing  and distributing Langar.

We recommend as per the government guidance for cafes, langar is provided as direct service to those seated in pangat, to avoid queuing and touching of utensils, and if possible, use disposable utensils. Please see our previous guidance for examples of good practice that Gurdwaras already have in place’.

However for Gurdwaras in Tier 3 areas, there is restriction on Langar which cannot be consumed at the Gurdwara. Langar can be prepared and then given to Sangat as take-away to be consumed at their premises (homes).

Meeting other people in the Gurdwara

A face covering must be worn inside the Gurdwara. There are differences in how you can interact socially, mingle with other Sangat members, whilst in the Gurdwara based on what tier your area is in:

Tier 1:

You must not attend or socialise in groups of more than 6 people

Tier 2 and 3:

You must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies. Practically this means no standing or sitting together to have conversations after the Diwan.

Test and Trace

Gurdwaras can consider participating in the Test and Trace system by displaying your official NHS QR code on posters so that those with the mobile app can scan if they choose. This is adequate.

Others may want to additionally keep a temporary record of visitors for 21 days (this is not compulsory) after consent is taken (for GDPR) . NHS Test and Trace may request your help in contact tracing and in the investigation of local outbreaks.

Celebrating Bandi Chhor Safely (Panjabi PDF)

1. ਜਿੰਨਾ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਸਕੇ ਜਲਦੀ ਤੋੰ ਜਲਦੀ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਕੇ ਵਾਪਸ ਮੁੜਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰੋ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਹੋਰ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਵਾਰੀ ਸਿਰ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਸੁਭਾਗ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਸਕਣ।

2. ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਕਿ ਇਸ ਵਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਇ ਆਪੋ-ਆਪਣੇ ਘਰਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਮੋਮਬੱਤੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਦੀਵੇ ਬਾਲ ਕੇ ਦੀਪਮਾਲਾ ਕਰਨ।

3. ਜੇਕਰ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਮੋਮਬੱਤੀਆਂ ਜਗਾਉਣੀਆਂ ਹੀ ਹਨ, ਤਾਂ ਆਪੋ-ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਮੋਮਬੱਤੀਆਂ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਓ।

4. ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਹੀ ਮੋਮਬੱਤੀਆਂ ਜਗਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਦੇਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਸਮਾਜਕ ਦੂਰੀ ਬਣਾਈ ਰੱਖਣੀ ਵੀ ਸੰਭਵ ਹੋਵੇ।

5. ਆਪਣੇ ਜੋੜੇ ਲਾਹ ਕੇ ਜੋੜੇ ਘਰ ਵਿਚਲੇ ਰੈਕ ‘ਤੇ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰੱਖੋ। ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਦੇ ਜੋੜਿਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਸਾਮਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਛੂਹਣ ਤੋਂ ਗੁਰੇਜ਼ ਕਰੋ।

6. ਮੋਮਬੱਤੀਆਂ ਜਾ ਦੀਵੇ ਬਾਲਦਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਆਤਿਸ਼ਬਾਜੀ ਚਲਾਉਂਦੇ ਵੇਲੇ ਜਾਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਵਿਚ ਅਲਕੋਹਲ ਸੈਨੇਟਾਈਜ਼ਰ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਨਾ ਕਰੋ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਅੱਗ ਲੱਗਣ ਦੇ ਭਿਆਨਕ ਹਾਦਸੇ ਵਾਪਰਨ ਦਾ ਖ਼ਦਸ਼ਾ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਲੋੜ ਪੈਣ ‘ਤੇ ਹੱਥ ਧੋਣ ਲਈ ਸਾਬਣ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਕਰੋ।

7. ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ ਵਿਖੇ ਆਤਿਸ਼ਬਾਜੀ ਨਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇ।

8. ਭੇਟਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਰਾਸ਼ਨ ਨੂੰ ਕੁਝ ਦਿਨ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਖਰੀਦ ਲਿਆ ਜਾਵੇ। ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਆਉਣ ਸਮੇ ਰਸਤੇ ਵਿਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਦੁਕਾਨ ‘ਤੇ ਜਾਣ ਤੋਂ ਪਰਹੇਜ਼ ਕਰੋ।

9. ਸਾਡਾ ਸੁਝਾਅ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਲੰਗਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿਚ ਮਾਇਕ ਸੇਵਾ ਜਾਂ ਸੁੱਕੀਆਂ ਰਸਦਾਂ; ਜਿਵੇਂ ਦਾਲ, ਆਟਾ, ਚਾਵਲ ਆਦਿ ਨੂੰ ਤਰਜੀਹ ਦਿਓ ਜਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕਾ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ।ਛੇਤੀ ਖਰਾਬ ਹੋਣ ਵਾਲੀਆ ਵਸਤੂਆ ਭੇਟ ਨਾ ਕਰੋ।

10. ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਜਾਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਇਕੱਠ ਕਰਨ, ਇਕੱਤਰ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਆਪਸ ਵਿਚ ਗੱਲਬਾਤ ਕਰਨ ਜਾਂ ਮਿਲਣ ਲੱਗਿਆਂ ਇਕ-ਦੂਜੇ ਦੇ ਗਲੇ ਲੱਗਣ ਤੋਂ ਗੁਰੇਜ਼ ਕਰੋ।

11. ਪੌਸ਼ਟਿਕ ਤੇ ਸਿਹਤਵਰਧਕ ਖਾਓ। ਮਠਿਆਈਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਨੈਕਸ ਦਾ ਖਹਿੜਾ ਛੱਡੋ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਲਾਕਡਾਊਨ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਗਤੀਵਿਧੀਆਂ ਘਟਣ ਕਾਰਨ ਸਾਡੀ ਪਾਚਨ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਹੀ।

12. ਸੋਸ਼ਲ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਆਊਟਲੈਟਾਂ (ਟੀ.ਵੀ. / ਰੇਡੀਓ) ‘ਤੇ ਵਰਚੁਅਲ ਦੀਵਾਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ਲਓ।

13. ਬੰਦੀ-ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ/ ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੇ ਇਸ ਮਹਾਨ ਪੁਰਬ ਤੇ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ (ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਿੱਖਿਆਵਾਂ) ਨਾਲ ਆਪਣੇ ਮਨ ਨੂੰ ਰੌਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਵੀ ਕਰੋ ਅਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਵਿਚ ਰਹੋ।