India Summons Senior-Most UK Diplomat Over Khalistani Supporters' Attack On High Commission In London

A few videos that went viral on Twitter showed pro-Khalistan activists replacing the Indian flag at the Indian high commission in London with their flag.

Pro-Khalistani groups in action against the Indian High Commission in London ( Image Source :Twitter/@ArunimaDey17 )

The senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday to express India's strong disapproval after pro-Khalistani groups replaced the Tricolour at the Indian High Commission in London.

As per an official statement, "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."

India lodges strong protest with UK.

Press Release ➡️ https://t.co/Apz9tgy1Ki pic.twitter.com/PV2VyUw1Lt

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 19, 2023

"Finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK," the statement said.

Supporters of Khalistan staged a demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom, waving Amritpal Singh-themed flags and posters. 

To the chants of "Khalistan Zindabad," a man was seen scaling the walls of the Indian High Commission in social media videos. 

The attack comes at a time when the Punjab government has launched a full frontal offensive against Khalistani radical sympathiser Amritpal Singh. Although the Police has managed to capture several of his aides, Amritpal Singh has remained elusive so far, say the cops. However, his father said that he has been arrested.

Amritpal Singh had become active in Punjab over the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, Alex Ellis, the UK High Commissioner to India, tweeted his disapproval of the incident that occurred at the Indian High Commission. He wrote,"I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the Indian High commission - totally unacceptable."

I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the @HCI_London - totally unacceptable.

— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) March 19, 2023

In the meantime, on Sunday, the Punjab Police launched a manhunt for a radical preacher that included flag marches and searches throughout Punjab. As a result, 34 additional supporters were detained, and four people currently in custody were transferred to a jail in Assam.

Despite increased security in several locations throughout the northern state, the elusive preacher gave the police a pass and evaded capture when his convoy was intercepted in Jalandhar district.