‘Khalistan A Religious Term’: Explaining UK Body’s Approval For Separatist Signage At Gurdwara
The panel stated that the Khalistan signage did not endorse any content demanding a political state. Intelligence officials say the verdict ignores global examples of political extremism crackdowns.
The UK charity watchdog’s clean chit regarding the presence of ‘Khalistan’ boards at a well-known gurdwara in southeast England is being described as biased and inconsistent, according to intelligence sources.
Ignoring inputs from Indian intelligence regarding Khalistani radicalisation, the Charity Commission on Thursday stated that although its broader investigation into Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Slough is still underway, the specific issue of the Khalistan signage does not violate its political campaigning regulations.
Acting on a complaint received in 2019, and in view of governance concerns, the independent regulator was asked to examine the “complex and sensitive” issue of Khalistan banners or plaques being put up at the gurdwara. After five years of deliberation, the UK body has ruled that the signage can remain, stating that the word “Khalistan” carries a significant religious meaning, even though it is regarded as a political term by some. The panel held that the charity’s actions were aligned with its religious objectives, as the signage did not include content pushing for a political state.
Officials said the ruling ignores international precedents concerning political radicalism.
“In Western countries, Islamist or pro-Palestinian activities are often proactively curbed or severely punished, even without explicit provocation. The fact that Khalistani separatist messaging is receiving official approval in the UK clearly shows double standards,” they pointed out.
How Have Other Countries Addressed Similar Matters?
Across Europe and the USA, similar or even milder forms of Islamist or pro-Palestinian activism have been strictly dealt with. In 2023, Berlin and other German cities banned several pro-Palestinian marches, citing possible incitement of violence. In October 2023, France’s Interior Ministry imposed a blanket ban on all pro-Palestinian demonstrations nationwide, citing risks to public order.
Nearly 100 protesters were arrested in 2024 for targeting companies associated with Israel, including 55 arrests in London alone.
In Amsterdam, police arrested over 210 people during a pro-Palestinian university protest, citing concerns over property damage and safety. Around 17 student activists were detained for occupying university administrative offices.
At the University of Texas at Austin, 79 individuals were arrested during a sit-in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Spanish officials blocked pro-Palestinian protests in high-risk zones due to fears of extremist involvement. In Belgium, police disrupted rallies linked to Islamist groups based on intelligence warnings, especially during religious festivals.
Italian local bodies imposed restrictions on public Islamic gatherings, citing concerns over overseas funding.
Canadian law enforcement booked individuals for displaying ISIS flags or other extremist Islamist signs at public rallies—while turning a blind eye to Khalistani supporters. In February 2025, German authorities raided and closed the Islamic Centre in Hamburg, known as the Blue Mosque, accusing it of spreading Iranian-backed Islamic ideologies.
In August 2025, a Spanish municipality passed an order banning Muslim celebrations like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from public spaces, allowing them only under official supervision.
In February 2025, Germany prohibited the use of Arabic slogans during pro-Palestinian protests.
