The Indian government summoned the United Kingdom’s senior-most diplomat to protest the taking down of its national flag at the Indian High Commission (HC) in London by pro Khalistan demonstrators.
In a video shared on social media platforms, a Sikh protestor can be seen mounting the building in London before managing to pull down the Indian flag while his fellow demonstrators cheer him on. He then proceeds to wave the Khalistani flag as an official attempts to stop him from inside the HC building.
The move was in response to massive cordon and search operation across Punjab to nab pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh where internet and mobile services are suspended in the Indian state of Punjab.
Responding to the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a “strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements”.
“An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the HC premises,” a statement issued by the Indian foreign office stated, adding that “India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK”.
“It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved”, it furthered demanding that the concerned authorities “put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents”.
