Kimberly RodriguesBy: Kimberly Rodrigues
British officials have denounced the recent vandalism at the Indian High Commission by pro-Khalistani protesters, calling it “disgraceful” and “completely unacceptable”.
They have also stated that the UK government will prioritise the security of the mission going forward. The incident, which took place on Sunday (19) involved protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and attempting to grab the Indian flag flying above the building.
One person has been arrested in connection with the violent disorder.
Officials from the Indian mission reported that the attack on the building had been unsuccessful and that the national flag was now displayed more prominently.
The Metropolitan Police has stated that two security staff members sustained minor injuries and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the violent behavior and vandalism, stating on Twitter “There is no place in our city for this kind of behaviour”.
While the British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis described the incident as “disgraceful” and “totally unacceptable”.
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Foreign Office minister, expressed his dismay at the incident and affirmed that the government would prioritise the security of the Indian High Commission.
“This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff,” he tweeted.
According to a statement by the Metropolitan Police, they were summoned on Sunday afternoon in response to reports of disorder, with the incident occurring at the High Commission building where windows were reportedly smashed.
Upon arrival, most of the individuals involved had already left the scene. The police initiated an investigation, and a man was subsequently apprehended in the vicinity on suspicion of violent disorder. The police state that their inquiries are ongoing.
India, on the other hand, expressed its strong protest to the British government regarding the security of its diplomatic presence and questioned the lack of adequate protection at the location.
Videos from the scene show an Indian official grabbing the flag from a protester through the first-floor window of the mission, while the protester is seen hanging off its ledge and waving a Khalistan flag before it is taken away. Also, images of shattered windows and men climbing the India House building were circulating on social media.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA), the senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi, was called in late Sunday night to express India’s vehement displeasure over the activities committed by separatist and extremist forces against the Indian High Commission in London.
An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of 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 MEA statement said.
India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK, the statement said.
“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, it said.
With inputs from PTI
