Sikhs Make Point In First Ever Sit Down Protest In Central Lobby Of Parliament

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

SIKHS MAKE POINT IN FIRST EVER SIT DOWN PROTEST IN CENTRAL LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT

At the end of the Sikh Lobby in the UK Parliament on Thursday19 November Sikhs decided to spontaneously show their disappointment with the lack of UK Government action in not addressing its concerns on separate Sikh monitoring, Code of Practice on Sikh articles of faith, discrimination against Sikhs across Europe and excluding those involved in the genocide of Sikhs in November 1984.

The 10-minute sit down protest that came at the end of the lobby involved around 70 Sikhs sitting down in a silent protest in the Central Lobby - the core of the Palace of Westminster. It is a large octagonal hall that connects the Lords and the Commons lobbies as well as other corridors of the House with an intricately tiled floor. The sit down protest by Sikhs was on the large tiled star in the centre of the hall that can be seen in the photo.

Police, security and the Serjeant at Arms who is responsible for security and keeping order within Parliament were called. However, they appreciated this was a short peaceful protest that the organisers ensured did not disrupt Parliamentary business. In fact the silence that descended on the Central Lobby was remarkable and many non-Sikhs, including security personnel commended the Sikhs for their action.

The point that was made was subtle in that Sikhs are law-abiding citizens that are having their needs ignored and this can be contrasted to others who break the law, but are perversely being rewarded for their behaviour. The sit down protest was to signal Sikhs can and will take direct action to secure fair treatment and their rights.

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

Photograph showing a part of the Sikhs present until the end of the Sikh Lobby for the first ever sit down protest in the Central Lobby of Parliament:

[AvnitK]

OK ...now we have to wait again about what the government will do

[Azaad]

:D

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

OK ...now we have to wait again about what the government will do

No, we continue to lobby locally - meeting with MPs and Ministers later this week to push separate monitoring.

Also trying to get an Adjournment Debate on this subject. If we all do our part in lobbying it will make a difference. Email your name and address (including postcode) to info@sikhfederation.com