Anti-India lobby in UK using Johal to poison ties

UK is pushing for quick resolution’ of Johal issue.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

The issue of alleged Khalistani operative Jagtar Singh Johal, a citizen of UK currently in prison in India, has emerged as a sticking point between London and Delhi, with the Rishi Sunak government facing intense pressure from certain circles to ensure the release of Johal. This issue, officials say, is impacting multiple bilateral issues between the two countries including trade relations and repatriation of Indian fugitives who are hiding in the United Kingdom despite being convicted by local courts.

Johal, who, as per the claims of investigating agencies, is a member of the banned Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF), was arrested by Indian officials in November 2017 from Jalandhar, Punjab, immediately after his marriage. He is facing a total of 11 cases that have been filed against him, of which eight have been filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), two by Delhi police and one by Punjab police. He has been charged under multiple sections including conspiracy (Section 120B Indian Penal Code), murder (Section 302 IPC), terrorist acts (Section 16 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), using arms (Section 27 Arms Act), and acts done to kill prominent people in society in and around Punjab in 2015, 2016 and 2017. He is presently in Tihar prison.