Paramjit Singh Pamma is an activist and Sikh nationalist from the state of Punjab, India. Pamma received political asylum in the United Kingdom in September 2000 on the grounds of potential mistreatment by Indian authorities, whom he claimed had previously tortured him for his political views. He has since lived in the UK with his family.[1][2]
In 2009, Punjab police announced they wanted Pamma for supposedly masterminding the murder of Rulda Singh, head of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, while still in the United Kingdom.
In 2010, Pamma was also accused in connection with the Patiala and Ambala bomb explosions in Punjab, India.
In 2011, the UK authorities found evidence lacking after a joint investigation with Indian authorities and he was allowed to remain in the UK. [3]
Interpol issued a Red Corner notice for the arrest of Pamma in 2012 after a request from the Indian authorities.
On 18 December 2015, while on a family holiday in Portugal, Pamma was detained by the Portuguese Police acting upon the Interpol notice. The arrest was opposed by many UK members of Parliament including the leader of the opposition,Jeremy Corbyn.[4] Philip Hammond, serving Foreign Secretary, told the UK parliament he was effectively powerless in the proceedings in Portuguese courts. He was released on February 12, 2016, following representation from Francisca van Dunem, the Portuguese Minister for Justice. [5] [6]
Interpol removed Pamma's arrest warrant from its files in June 2016, stating "the data registered in Interpol’s files concerning Mr. Singh was not in compliance with Interpol’s rules". It has been suggested that the improper submission against Pamma could have had the political motivation of silencing government opponents. [7] [8]
References edit
- ^ "Things you should know about Khalistani militant Paramjit Singh Pamma". hindustantimes.com. 13 February 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "Police begin groundwork to extradite militant Pamma". www.tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "India fail to extradite Paramjeet Singh from Portugal".
- ^ "British Labour leader cuts through red tape to save Indian facing extradition from Portugal".
- ^ "Singh sprung".
- ^ "Khalistani terrorist Pamma nabbed by Portugal police". hindustantimes.com. 19 December 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "Interpol drops arrest warrants against Paramjit Singh Pamma". indianexpress.com. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "Interpol deletes Paramjit Singh Pamma's name from its files". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2016.