Southall, UK – Gurpreet Singh, a 26-year-old Indian national and Khalistan supporter, has been jailed for 28 months following his conviction for a violent attack during India's Independence Day celebrations in Southall, UK.
The incident has heightened community tensions and underscores the dangers of extremist ideologies within diaspora communities.
The attack occurred last year during a community event marking India's Independence Day. Singh, armed with a kirpan (a ceremonial Sikh sword), stabbed two Indian-origin men and a female police officer. Court records reveal that Singh was armed with three kirpans, using one with a 20cm blade in the assault.
The swift sentencing underscores the UK legal system's intolerance toward violent acts, particularly those motivated by extremist ideologies and targeting cultural celebrations. Singh has additionally been ordered to surrender all three kirpans to the court.
The incident has inflamed tensions within Southall, a diverse London suburb with a large Indian diaspora. Community leaders express concern that this violence could lead to further divisions.
Law enforcement remains on alert, aiming to deter any acts of retaliation or copycat violence.