Southall, UK - The national leadership of the Sikh Federation (UK) welcomed today’s announcement of a change in the Management Committee at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall.
A Federation spokesman speaking on behalf of Bhai Amrik Singh, Bhai Kuldip Singh and Bhai Narinderjit Singh said: ‘This is a major victory for those that hold Panthic views. The local Sangat has made it known through the result announced today that it is time for a change. We are confident the assurances and commitments given by those that comprise the new Management Committee will signal a permanent change of direction from the last 14 years with respect to much greater support for Panthic issues in West London.’
Following the result Gurmail Singh Malhi who led the Shere group forming the new Management Committee repeated his support for Panthic issues. The local leadership and membership of the Sikh Federation in Southall and surrounding towns, such as Slough, who publicly campaigned in support of the Shere group, when approached said:
‘We think this support for Panthic issues will translate into practical measures with a more flexible and open approach meeting the needs of the local Sangat. We expect restrictions on Panthic parchar will be lifted, Panthic events will be held regularly at both Park Avenue and Havelock Road Gurdwaras and Sri Guru Singh Sabha will lead the way in supporting national Panthic events, such as lobby days in Parliament for greater Sikh rights and important anniversaries, such as the 25th anniversary of June and November 1984.’
The Indian High Commission was also approached today by the Federation Press Office and asked to comment on the results. Initially officials refused to comment, but later when pushed for a response an official stated they were disappointed with the outcome and feared this would signal a revival of Sikh activism across London and the South East. When asked to elaborate why the Indian High Commission regarded ‘Sikh activism’ for issues of concern to Sikhs as a concern the official refused to comment further.
In response a Sikh Federation (UK) spokesman said: ‘the Indian High Commission should not interfere in the management of any of our Gurdwaras and leave it to the local Sangat to decide on the direction we take. There has almost been a complete vacuum in much of West London and the South East with regards to support for Panthic events, such as, lobby days in the UK Parliament, European Parliament and at the United Nations for greater Sikh rights and national anniversary events to mark 1984. We expect this to totally change as the local Sangat has now put in place a new management Committee at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall that has promised support for Panthic events.’
