Liberal Democrat Euro-MP supports Sikh campaigners

5.55.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jun 2006

Sarah at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara

Marking the 22nd anniversary of the massacre at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has been lending her support to Sikh human rights campaigners locally and at European and international level.

She welcomed the visit to the European Parliament in Brussels of the first ever European Sikh Lobby co-organised by Sikh Federation UK on May 31st and spoke at an event at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Slough on June 11th.

Sarah, who is European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats, was dismayed at the security problems encountered by Sikh visitors to the European Parliament building due to the wearing of the kirpan. She said:

"While security concerns have to be addressed, it is imperative to reach a Europe-wide solution so that embarrassment like that which occurred on this occasion are eliminated. The British government, with a British Sikh population of hundreds of thousands, should actively assist in the search for agreement on a European protocol which is appropriate and dignified."

Sarah also expressed indignation at the requirement by security personnel at Brussels airport for removal of turbans. She authored a written declaration in the European Parliament last year calling for freedom to express religious adherence in dress, and specifically mentioned the Sikh turban. She said:

"I am writing to the head of security at Brussels airport demanding an explanation as to why they cannot follow the practice of airports around the world and use a hand-held scanner. There is no excuse for the failure, with humiliating consequences, to cater for a community as numerous and important as that of Sikhs."

Sarah also took up in her remarks the need for the Indian government to address human rights abuses in India against Sikhs. She has signed a European Parliament written declaration calling for greater EU pressure on India to stop the oppressive treatment of political activists and is concerned about the case of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, who faces the death penalty on the basis of a confession extracted under torture.

"There needs to be a Truth and Justice Commission in India to ensure accountability for the appalling events of 1984 and since, including of course any atrocities committed by individual Sikhs. The Indian government must allow human rights organisations into the Panjab. Sikhs have the right to self-determination, which can mean a range of outcomes from internal self-government to an independent homeland, but only dialogue can secure both peace and freedom."