BIRMINGHAM, UK—A Sikh activist, Avtar Singh Khanda, was attacked yesterday, by two men in Birmingham. One man got away whilst the other was caught at the scene by Police, who arrived soon after incident.

It is unclear what the motive behind the attack may have been. However, many people are stipulating that the motives are suspicious and an attack to silence Mr Khanda.

Avtar Singh Khanda has been vocally critical of the Indian state for genocidal crimes and human rights abuses against Sikhs and other minorities. He is an advocate of an independent Sikh sovereign state and was last year smeared by the Indian media as a terrorist, without any proof to back their bold claims.

Family and friends have expressed their grief online as news of the attack spread.

Khanda presents a show on Punjab and Sikh politics on the satellite channel KTV (Khalsa TV). He is known to be a kind and caring man to many. Ravi Singh of Khalsa Aid also commented on social networks.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact West Midlands police at the earliest. Investigations by the police are ongoing.