Delhi Police Say 'Extra Barricades' Removed From Outside British High Commission

Barricades were also removed from outside the residence of British High Commissioner Alex Ellis days after pro-Khalistan separatists pulled down the tricolour at the Indian mission in London.

Days after pro-Khalistan separatists pulled down the tricolour at the Indian mission in London, security barricades outside the British High Commission at Shantipath in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave were removed on Wednesday. Barricades were also removed from outside the Rajaji Marg residence of British High Commissioner Alex Ellis.

Responding to the development, a British High Commission spokesperson told ANI, "We do not comment on security matters."

Delhi Police said it removed extra barricades outside the UK High Commission but the security remains intact.

"The security arrangements outside the British High Commission here are intact. However, barricades placed on the pathway towards the Commission that created hurdles for commutation have been removed," PTI quoted a senior police officer as saying.

A violent protest erupted outside the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday during which pro-Khalistan activists pulled down the national flag from a pole in front of the building.

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The Indian government lodged a strong protest and called on the British government to ensure adequate security at the Indian High Commission. Earlier this week, India summoned the British deputy High Commissioner and demanded an explanation over the complete "absence of security".

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India has asked the UK to quickly arrest and prosecute those involved in the incident.

The UK government has said it would take the security of the Indian High Commission "seriously" and condemned the "disgraceful" and "completely unacceptable" vandalism at the Indian mission.

Earlier this week, several people belonging to the Sikh community protested outside the British High Commission in Delhi, saying they won't tolerate any insult to the national flag.

On Tuesday, several members of the Indian diaspora in London assembled outside the India House to show solidarity with the Indian High Commission.

Carrying the tricolour, a large number of Indians held a silent protest with placards reading 'Our Tiranga Our Pride', 'United We Stand' and religious symbols of India's major religions.