A growing number of Sikhs in the West Midlands have received “threat to life” warnings from West Midlands police, sparking concerns and speculation about potential ties to the Indian government. These warnings, known as Osman notices, are issued when there is intelligence of a death threat but not enough evidence to make an arrest, leaving recipients in fear and uncertainty. The alerts have come amid growing apprehensions over the safety of separatist campaigners, with some individuals linking the warnings to their activism against the Indian government.

The warnings come following high-profile cases in the US and Canada, including the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and allegations of Indian government involvement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly accused the Indian government of a “potential link” to these incidents, leading to the withdrawal of 41 diplomats from India by Canada. Additionally, US prosecutors revealed that an Indian agent had recruited someone to pay a hitman for the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in New York.

The Sikh community in the UK has expressed outrage and frustration at the lack of public condemnation from the UK government and authorities. Sikh leaders have accused the Indian government of suppressing dissent and attempting to silence advocates of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. Despite these concerns, some have questioned the involvement of religious fundamentalists in the UK and have expressed skepticism about an Indian government connection. Others have suggested that these warnings are related to domestic gang violence.

However, Sikh activists remain on edge and are taking protective measures in response to the warnings. Recipients of the Osman notices, along with their families, are unsettled and seeking clarity from the authorities. West Midlands police have not addressed questions about whether the threats have links to the Indian state and have provided limited information about how they handle Osman notices.

They have simply stated that they have processes in place when they receive information about threats, and family members are made aware and provided with advice. As the situation continues to unfold, the Sikh community in the UK remains vigilant and concerned about the safety and security of its members, calling for transparency and action from the authorities to address these threats.