London: 119 British MPs have written to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging increased diplomatic efforts to secure the release and return of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh citizen jailed in India. The case of Johal, who was arrested in Punjab in 2017, has been the subject of international attention. The Sikh Federation (UK) and human rights groups have raised the issue at several forums, including the United Nations.
MPs’ appeal and political support
119 MPs, including about a dozen ministers and five cabinet ministers, have written to the Foreign Secretary, urging strong dialogue with the Indian government to secure Johal’s release. Sikh Federation (UK) chief executive Dabinderjit Singh said the support raises hopes for Johal’s immediate release and family reunion. However, two Labour Sikh MPs withdrew their names after signing the letter, sparking a political controversy.
Legal process regarding Johal
Johal faces serious charges such as militancy and conspiracy to commit murder, but was acquitted in a trial on March 4, 2025, due to lack of evidence. The Sikh Federation says that despite seven years of detention, Indian authorities do not have solid evidence against Johal. Other trials are ongoing, but the timing of his release is uncertain due to the slow pace. Johal’s brother is expected to meet the foreign minister soon, where the latest efforts will be discussed. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called Johal’s arrest unlawful and has demanded his release. Human rights group Reprieve claimed that Johal’s arrest was based on British intelligence, which raised questions about the role of the UK government. Despite this support, the Indian government has yet to take any concrete action, as UN recommendations do not have legal effect.
Sikh organisations’ strategy on Johal case
The Sikh Federation (UK) has mobilised support through the All Party Parliamentary Group and plans to intensify the international campaign. Organisations are being advised to raise public awareness through social media, mainstream media, and legal aid. The Sikh diaspora has been urged to use rallies and newspapers to pressure local authorities and strengthen the unity of the congregation. The chances of Johal’s release will depend on legal outcomes and diplomatic efforts.
If the UK government and international organisations (such as the UN or human rights groups) apply strong pressure, the chances of a release may increase. However, the Indian government’s sensitivity towards Sikh issues and internal political issues complicate this. Sikh organizations should use social media and mainstream media to raise public awareness. The Sikh diaspora, especially in the UK, Canada, and the US, can pressure local MPs and governments by writing letters or holding rallies.
What is this all about?
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh citizen, was arrested in Punjab, India, in November 2017. Indian authorities have charged Johal with violently promoting the Khalistan movement, links to militant organizations, and conspiracy to commit several murders in Punjab. The charges relate specifically to the killings of Hindu leaders in 2016-17. Johal and his family have called all the charges false and politically motivated. They claim that Johal was targeted for his links to the Sikh movement. Human rights group Reprieve has produced documents suggesting that Johal’s arrest was based on UK intelligence. This has raised questions about the UK government. Johal is facing several trials, one of which he has been acquitted, but the timing of his release is unclear and depends on legal and political developments.
