Indus Valley Times

NEW DELHI,MAR 20 : India lodged a strong protest with the UK authorities by summoning British Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday night after pro-Khalistani protesters vandalised the Indian High Commission in London and pulled down a Tricolour on the premises.

Condemning the incident, the Indian administration said it found the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK unacceptable.

An MEA press release on Sunday said, “The senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi was summoned late evening today to convey India’s strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the Indian High Commission in London earlier in the day.”

Official at Indian mission in London rescues Tricolour, throws down Khalistan flag

“An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of the British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. She was reminded in this regard of the basic obligations of the UK government under the Vienna Convention,” the statement added.

The protesters were demonstrating against the crackdown by security forces in Punjab on Khalistani pressure group ‘Waris Punjab De’ and its self-styled chief, Amritpal Singh. A video shows a protester pulling down the Indian national flag while raising pro-Khalistani slogans. According to reports, the agitators attempted to enter the premises as well.

“It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today’s incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” MEA officials told Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott.

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 “India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK,” she was told.

Meanwhile, a man has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after crowds gathered and a window was smashed at the Indian High Commission in London, according to reports in British media.

Metropolitan police officers were called to the building in Aldwych, Westminster at about 1.50pm on Sunday, and two security guards sustained minor injuries, reports added.

A Met spokesperson said: “Windows were broken at the high commission building. Two members of security staff sustained injuries. These are believed to be minor; they did not require hospital treatment.”

“Officers attended the location. The majority of those present had dispersed prior to the arrival of police. An investigation was launched, and one male was arrested nearby a short time later on suspicion of violent disorder. Inquiries continue,” the statement added.

The incident was condemned by British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, who tweeted, : “I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the @HCI_London – totally unacceptable.”

There was condemnation in London as well. The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) Minister of State, Tariq Ahmad said, “Am appalled by today’s attack on the Indian High Commission in London. This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff. The UK Government will always take the security of the Indian High Commission seriously.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan denounced the incident and wrote, ““I condemn the violent disorder and vandalism that took place at the Indian high commission today. There is no place in our city for this kind of behaviour. An investigation has been launched by the Met into today’s events.”

-PTI