A UK-based Sikh group has voiced strong disappointment over the Labour Party’s failure to follow through on its pledge to investigate the 1984 Golden Temple massacre in Amritsar, India. Despite multiple efforts to engage with the government, including five letters sent to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Sikh Federation UK says it has received no response since Labour took office.
The massacre, which occurred during Operation Blue Star, saw the Indian Army storm the Golden Temple in Amritsar, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Sikhs. The event remains deeply traumatic for the global Sikh community. Many campaigners believe the UK may have played an advisory role and are calling for a judge-led independent inquiry into Britain’s involvement.
In 2022, Labour leader Keir Starmer had pledged to launch such an inquiry if his party came to power. Now, the silence from his government is being viewed by some campaigners as a betrayal and even a “cover-up.” The Sikh Federation UK has warned that Labour MPs may be “no-platformed” at Sikh events unless action is taken.
With growing frustration and rising pressure from the community, the government faces mounting calls to honour its commitment and acknowledge its role in investigating historical injustices.
