The Sikh Regiment is one of the oldest and highest decorated Regiments of the Indian Army with a history spanning 154 years of heroic deeds of valour and courage. Sikh sepoys regularly fought alongside British soldiers during the frequent tribal revolts on the Afghan frontier and the two world wars. In recognition of their extraordinary gallant and distinguished service, Britain is now planning to raise a new Sikh regiment.
The British Army is studying the proposals for a new unit along the lines of the erstwhile British Indian Army. They are also exploring the possibility of a reserve force.
The proposal came up for discussions during the defence questions in the House of Commons. Batting for the Sikh regiment, conservative former defence minister Sir Nicholas Soames urged the ministers to “do away with political correctness”, reported The Telegraph. In response, Armed forces minister Mark Francois told the Commons , “The new unit would inherit many of the “proud traditions of Sikh regiments” from the army’s past.’
Thousands of Sikhs had served during the two World Wars and have won as many as 10 Victoria Crosses, the highest British battlefield honour. The 1897 Battle of Saragarhi in the North West Frontier Province, epitomises Sikh courage - when 21Sikh soldiers fought a reportedly 10,000 strong Afghan force. The British armed forces currently have around 160 Sikhs in their ranks.
According to 2011 census, nearly 4.3 lakh Sikhs live in the UK. They have a considerable influence on 50 to 100 seats of parliament out of 650. The idea has been welcomed by majority of the Sikh population. But, it is not the first time that such an idea has been floated. In 2007, the proposal was abandoned after the Commission for Racial Equality had argued that a separate Sikh regiment would be divisive. Prince Charles has also previously advocated creation of dedicated units to increase the number of people from ethnic minorities in the services.
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