UK, 28 March 2012.
In the wake of hundreds of peaceful protest, requested by the holy Sikh supreme seat of authority Sri Akal Takht Sahib scheduled to takes place in Punjab against the state execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana , grave concerns about the welfare of millions of Sikhs in Punjab are triggering high emotions amongst Sikhs in UK.
With the deployment of 60,000 police in to Punjab today (officially confirmed by the Indian media but today estimated to be much larger) as well as 15 Companies of paramilitary forces, Sikhs globally are beginning to consider a reoccurrence of the haunting times of Operation Bluestar in 1984.
Reports are now coming in of state police brutality, lathi charges, media blackouts and mobile networks going down in most regions of Punjab. Group clashes with Border State Police (BSF) are further adding to the tensions.
Many Sikhs in the UK are struggling to get in touch with their relatives in Punjab to check their well-being. Hundreds of British Citizens are also thought to be on holiday currently in Punjab.
British Sikhs are strongly encouraged to contact the UK Foreign Office on 020 7008 1500 and urge the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, to make contact with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh immediately to bring calm to Punjab by withdrawing the military intervention which will spiral the situation further.
