British MP calls for WWI Sikh monument

A British MP has called on the Parliament to create a monument in London to mark the Sikh community's contribution to World War I.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Tom Brake has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) - that allows MPs to draw attention to an event or cause, calling for the construction of the first-of-its-kind monument.
The EDM has secured all party support.
"It is vital we recognise the sacrifices and bravery of Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain during the First World War," Brake said.
"A permanent monument in central London is long overdue and would highlight as well as create an important symbol of the sacrifices the Sikh community made in the Great War," he said.

Over 1,30,000 Sikh troops fought in Belgium and France during World War I for the Indian army and over a quarter of those soldiers died.

Although Sikhs made up only two per cent of the population of India, they formed 20 per cent of the Indian Army and had active service from the Somme to Gallipoli.
Over one million Indian troops are believed to have served overseas during the war, with over 60,000 casualties.
The Memorial Gates in London's Hyde Park was inaugurated in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II as a permanent memorial to commemorate all Commonwealth soldiers, including Indian, who served during the First and Second World Wars.