Protesters call for release of Sikh man arrested in India
A CAMPAIGN calling for the release of a British sikh man by Indian authorities took to the streets of Birmingham this week with a protest at the Indian Consulate.
Hundreds of mostly Sikh protesters chanted and made calls for the authorities to set Jagtar Singh Johal free. Mr Johal, 31 from Dumbarton, was seized by security forces on November 4 2017 while in the country to get married.
Protesters claimed arrested on trumped he was up allega- tions and said he has been tortured daily. The Indian security services have accused Mr Johal of plotting terrorist attacks in Punjab. But has now been detained for 300 days without charge.
The protesters, gathered on Monday outside the Indian Consulate in Augusta Street in the Jewellery Quarter with banners and loud calls for his release.
Mr Johal’s MP Martin DohertyHughes tweeted: “Thanks to everyone campaigning today in support of Free Jaggi Now. My constituent & his family need full backing from the UK Govt to secure a fair judicial process.”
Earlier this year 78 MPs, including five from Birmingham, signed a letter calling on Prime Minister Theresa May to intervene.
Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill (Lab) wrote the letter, in her role as chair of the AllParty Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs highlighting the torture. Among those backing it were Birmingham MPs Roger Godsiff (Lab Hall Green), Richard Burden (Lab Northfield), Shabana Mahmood (Lab Ladywood) and Khalid Mahmood (Lab Perry Barr).
Mrs Gill told Mrs May: “In light of these shocking new allegations, I call on you to use all the diplomatic means at your disposal to ensure that the Government of India abides by the rule of law and ensures that Mr Johal is not subject to torture.”
She added: “I know that you will agree with me that it is intolerable that anyone, let alone a British citizen, is subjected to torture, and ask for your assurance that this matter is being dealt with at the very highest level and as a matter of urgency.”
The Indian security services claim Mr Johal was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murders of retired army officer Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja, RSS leader Ravinder Gosain and Pastor Sultan Masih.