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The UK denied plans for a Sikh regiment despite media reports. Lord Sahota raised the issue, and Lord Coaker expressed willingness to recognize Sikh contributions.
News18
Is the United Kingdom considering having a Sikh regiment in its forces? Several media reports have emerged recently hinting that the British Army is considering a proposal to induct a Sikh regiment.
However, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has denied, saying there are no such proposals in this regard. “We want to do something to recognise Sikh contributions in some way, but not through a Sikh regiment,” sources in the defence ministry told Times of India.
The issue came into the limelight after Lord Sahota, a member of the House of Lords, asked UK defence minister Lord Coaker in the House of Lords on July 7 regarding the progress on having a Sikh regiment in the British Army.
Coaker said, “Let me consider that request from my noble friend. I am quite happy to meet him and see what more we can do to recognise the contribution of soldiers such as Sikhs.”
Coaker’s remark led to media headlines like “UK considering to have Sikh Regiment.”
Lord Sahota’s grandfathers have served in the British Indian army, including the 15th Punjab Regiment.
Speaking to TOI, he said he does not think this proposal will not against the UK Equality Act, highlighting the Staffordshire Regiment, Brigade of Gurkhas, the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Royal Welsh and Royal Regiment of Scotland.
As per the TOI report, there are around 200 Sikhs in the British Armed Forces at present.
The Sikh Regiment’s origins are found within the British East India Company Army. Sikh soldiers were notably recruited following the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–46) and even more extensively after the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–49).
Serving with distinction as part of the British Indian Army, the Sikh Regiment played a significant role in both World War I and World War II. During the First World War, over 100,000 Sikhs were part of the British Indian Army, with a number of Sikh soldiers receiving the Victoria Cross, the highest British military honour. For the Second World War, more than 300,000 Sikhs served in the Indian Army.
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
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