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Indifference to Indian diplomatic mission's security unacceptable: India conveys strong message to UK

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 21 Mar 2023, 11:53 am

New Delhi/IBNS: India has conveyed a strong message to the UK authorities by summoning British Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday night following an attack by pro-Khalistani protesters on the Indian High Commission in London, who pulled down a Tricolour on the premises.

The incident comes a day after the action to arrest pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh.

On a Sunday, when government offices and embassies are closed, Christina Scott, deputy chief of the UK high commission in Delhi was summoned to the MEA at 10:30 pm. High Commissioner Alex Ellis was unavailable as he is travelling.

India also demanded an explanation for the "complete absence of British security" that allowed the Khalistani elements to enter the Indian High Commission premises.

India also said it finds “unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK”.

The statement also demanded that the perpetrators be immediately arrested and prosecuted and stringent measures be put in place to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Videos on social media showed a group of Khalistani supporters shouting pro-Khalistan slogans and waving Khalistani flags gathered outside the Indian High Commission. One from the group is seen clambering on the verandah of the Indian High Commission and removing the Indian flag, to cheering and shouting of Khalistani slogans by the crowd.

The MEA statement issued late in the night read: “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."

As per the statement shared by MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter, the foreign ministry said the diplomat was reminded of the basic obligations of the UK government under the Vienna Convention.

Soon after the attack on Indian High Commission in London, Metropolitan police were called to the building and began an investigation. Within hours, a man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis described the incident as "disgraceful" and "totally unacceptable".