‘Govt in exile’ established

Press, 13 June 1984, Page 11

‘Govt in exile’ established

NZPA-PA London Sikh leaders were finalising plans yesterday to set up a “government in exile” in London for followers throughout the world. Volunteers were cleaning up a rundown four-storey Georgian house in West London, given to them as a headquarters. But they are negotiating for larger premises in Mayfair. Today their centre will start to provide resources and logistical support for the world’s Sikhs in their bid to set up their own nation — Khalistan — from the Punjab and surrounding areas of India. About 400,000 Sikhs live in Britain and about four million around the world outside the Punjab.

The move follows the killing of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the Sikh fundamentalist leader in the Indian army’s assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, last week. The main proclaimed as president of Khalistan, Doctor Jagjit Singh Chohan, told a press conference in London yesterday: "Our aim is the establishmnt of the republic, a land where we may live with dignity and honour and worship our faith as we wish.” They plan to take their case to the United Nations and human rights bodies. “An international inquiry should look into the massacre and violation of human rights done by Mrs Ghandi,” Dr Jagjit said.