Panelist Disrupts Live BBC Show Over Alleged Violence Against Sikhs

London: A Sikh panelist made the wrong kind of headlines when he began disrupting a live BBC show over the lack of media coverage of alleged violence against Sikhs in Punjab.

Appearing on BBC's 'Sunday Morning Live', Jagmeet Singh, from the educational charity Basics of Sikhi, stood up in front of the camera and repeatedly tried to interrupt presenter, Sian Williams.

"I have to say Sikhs are being killed in Punjab and nobody is reporting it. Please report it," said Mr Singh, and then kept repeating, "Sikhs are being killed" as the presenter asked him to let the show go on.

Being visibly frustrated by the disruption, the presenter said, "Jagmeet I will have to get you taken out unless you allow polite and respect for guests here and our audience at home."

During the interaction, the presenter is shown diverting viewers' attention with a video clip on the weekly religious and current affairs discussion programme, and when cameras returned to the panel, Mr Singh was no longer there.

Basics of Sikhi, a UK-based charity set up with the aim of spreading Guru Nanak's message, said on Facebook, "So disappointed by the BBC's treatment of Jagmeet Singh on 'Sunday Morning Live' this morning.

A BBC spokesperson said, "The presenter shut down Singh and repeatedly belittled him from bringing up the issue of violence against Sikhs in Punjab... On live TV unplanned things happen and this was dealt with professionally and appropriately by Sian."