Current Events
British Government Once Again Looks At Forming A Sikh Regiment
BEN FARMER
In this election year, the governing Conservatives see themselves in trouble with the million-strong Sikh-Briton community over recent revelations of Margaret Thatcher’s complicity in Indira Gandhi’s crimes against humanity, including the 1984 attack on the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and possibly even in the anti-Sikh Genocide that followed.
Therefore, is this move by David Cameron’s Conservative government a cynical one designed to temporarily assuage the feelings of Sikh-Britons, or is it a genuine attempt to do something useful for the British Armed Forces?
If the latter, then they need to deliver BEFORE the elections, not merely make promises to study the idea.
The head of the British Army is looking at proposals to recreate a Sikh regiment, a minister has said.
The Chief of the General Staff is examining the feasibility of a Sikh unit, including the possibility of a reserve company, and it “may well have merit”, Mark Francois told the Commons.
A new unit would inherit many of the “proud traditions of Sikh regiments” from the Army’s past, he said.
Thousands of Sikh soldiers served in the British Army in the 19th century and in the First and Second World Wars, and 10 Victoria Crosses have been won by soldiers serving in Sikh regiments.
Reviving a Sikh unit has been suggested several times in the past. One recent attempt was abandoned in 2007 by the Ministry of Defence amid fears that the move would be branded racist.
Speaking during defence questions in the Commons, Conservative former defence minister Sir Nicholas Soames urged ministers to "do away with political correctness" and raise a Sikh regiment.
He told Mr Francois: "You will be aware of the extraordinary gallant and distinguished service by Sikhs to this country down the generations.
"Would you not agree with me that it's high time to do away with the political correctness which infects some of this thinking and actually raise a Sikh regiment to serve in the country and make up a very serious gap in our Armed Forces?"
Mr Francois, minister for the Armed Forces, replied: "With regard to your specific suggestion, can I say that you are one of a number of Members of Parliament who have raised this suggestion with me recently.
"We have passed this possibility on to the chief of the general staff (CGS), who is now looking at this issue and we are awaiting CGS's comments back.
"But the idea may well have merit."
Conservative Rory Stewart, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, suggested a Sikh company within the reserves could be explored "as a starting point".
He added: "There seems to be much more possibility within the reserves to begin what seems like an excellent idea."
Mr Francois replied: "I said earlier the idea may have merit but we've looked at one specific option, or are looking, at the possibility of a reserve company – not least one which would inherit many of the proud traditions of Sikh regiments going back through many years in the British Army.
"[Defence Minister Julian Brazier} is leading on that particular aspect and he too remains in contact with CGS on this matter."
In 2007, the MoD scrapped a similar plan after the Commission for Racial Equality advised it could be seen as divisive and amounted to "segregation".
The latest manning figures show the Armed Forces have around 160 Sikhs in their ranks, including 130 in the Army. Last year an official British Armed Forces Sikh Association was formed.
Lord Indarjit Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, said a Sikh unit was something “that would be nice if it happened”.
He warned it had been suggested many times and had always proved difficult.
He said: “There aren’t that many Sikhs in the Army. A regiment needs a bit more. There needs to be some enticement to go, but with all the defence cuts, the Army may not look that tempting.”
The recent disclosure that the British military had advised Indira Gandhi over her 1984 attack on Sikh resistance fighters barricaded in Amritsar's Golden Temple, may have led to some anger among Sikhs in Britain, though he suggested this would pass with time.
He said: “There are some major difficulties. It’s something that would be nice if it happened.”
[Courtesy: The Telegraph. Edited for sikhchic.com]
February 24, 2015
Conversation about this article
1: Simran Singh (London, United Kingdom), February 24, 2015, 3:03 PM.
There is a strong possibility that this is cynical electioneering. Very cynical indeed, if that's the case. However, as someone who was present at the Portraits of Courage lecture at London's Imperial War Museum in 2001 when this demand was initially articulated in the most powerful terms imaginable, I must give due credit to the work of the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail. More recently, the "1914 Sikhs" platoon, also initiated by the same group, has clearly caught the imagination of current politicians and the Army. Credit where credit is due.
2: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), February 24, 2015, 9:34 PM.
A Sikh Regiment could help immensely in keeping our nation secure. Just look at its track record!
3: Sunny Grewal (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada), February 24, 2015, 9:41 PM.
Regardless of whether this is a ploy for election votes or not, this demand could not be made if Sikhs were not seen as an integral part of British society. Compare the situation of the Sikhs in Britain where politicians and the majority community are encouraging them to help in the security of the nation, with the other minority in Britain which is seen as a security threat.
4: Gobind Singh (New Delhi, India), February 25, 2015, 2:20 AM.
Never heard even a whisper from anywhere in the world saying: "Hey, let's have a Hindu or a Muslim Regiment in our midst!" This article says so much about how much the Sikhs are held in regard in the free world. Doesn't matter if the idea bears any fruition or not-- this alone warms my heart!
5: Jasvir Kaur (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), February 25, 2015, 6:52 PM.
I think the first paragraph in BOLD said it all. Again, the British want our young Sikh men and women to protect their nation and interests. First, I would demand a public inquiry into the role the British government played in 1984. Then it will become YOUR nation.
6: Jagbir Singh Khalsa (Birmingham, United Kingdom), February 26, 2015, 5:44 AM.
One can only hope that the Sikh electorate in Britain will make an educated and not an emotional vote. Because an emotional vote is an undemocratic vote. Period.
7: KS Sandhu (Palmdale, California, USA), February 26, 2015, 11:56 PM.
To Sikh-Britons: The United Kingdom is your country and its your prerogative to participate at the highest level to protect your country. Governments and its policies are very short lived in nature. Obviously Margaret Thatcher administration was involved in this heinous act but don't dwell on this or other few lows of previous administrations. Give your best and bring back glory to the place and nation you call home today.
8: Sandeep Singh (USA), February 28, 2015, 6:01 PM.
Disagree. Savaa lakh se ek larraa-oon. But not in the armed forces any more, please. In the courtroom, for example, or with education and strategy. Young Sikhs understand what the baby boomers do not. The pen is mightier than the sword.