Separatist Khalistan leader in UK had predicted PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination:British government

London July 22:Declassified British government documents revealed that  UK based top separatist Khalistani movement leader Jagjit Singh Chauhan,, had predicted the death of  prime minister Indira Gandhi, months before her assassination in October 1984.

Jagjit Singh Chauhan, described by UK officials as a “self-styled president of the Sikh Republic of Khalistan”, was among a number of suspects against whom the then  PM Margaret Thatcher considered initiating action.

The Indian authorities have repeatedly complained about statements made in the UK by a Sikh, Dr Jagjit Singh Chauhan, President of the Sikh ‘Republic of Khalistan’.

In June of 1984, he ‘predicted’ the death of Mrs Gandhiand  subsequently spoken of Rajiv Gandhi being a ‘target’,” declares a note prepared by UK foreign and Home Office officials

His remarks have drawn a sharp response from the Indian government and there is a risk of severe damage to UK-India bilateral relations.

Other Sikh extremists in the UK have sought asylum also constitute a further threat to bilateral relations.

The documents released on Thursday also mention India’s concerns over Hashim Qureshi, then Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader, and his alleged involvement in the murder of Indian diplomat Ravindran Mhatre in Birmingham.