Will take up ‘persecution’ of Indian minorities: UK

C’WEALTH MEET Sikh, Christian issues to be raised with Modi

LONDON: Britain will raise the issue of alleged persecution of Christians and Sikhs in India during the April meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London and Windsor, following demands by MPs to take it up with Prime Minster Narendra Modi.

During a lengthy debate at the Westminster Hall of the House of Commons on ‘Freedom of religion or belief’ last week, MPs cited details of alleged persecution in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and elsewhere, and demanded that ministers discuss it when Commonwealth leaders are here for CHOGM.

A ministry of external affairs officer in India said the ministry would need to see the transcript of the debate before making any comments on the issue.

Martin Docherty-Hughes (Scottish National Party) mentioned

the detention in Punjab of his constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, allegedly without charge, and claimed that “members of the Sikh community across the UK have become gravely concerned that they, too, may be detained on the simple premise of being a member of the Sikh faith”.

Both Docherty-Hughes and Fabian Hamilton (Labour) raised the issue of alleged persecution of Christians; the former

recalled the ancient roots of Christianity in India, but mentioned reports alleging that India was one of the most dangerous countries to practise Christianity. Foreign Office minister for Asia Mark Field said: “Some profound points about Christian and Sikh minorities in India have been made. We will do our best to raise some of those in an appropriate manner at the Commonwealth meet in midApril.”