In the afternoon of the Republic Day of India, scene outside the iconic building of the High Commission of India in Aldwych, Central London, was tense. Clashes erupted between pro-Pakistani and pro-Khalistani groups demanding a free Kashmir and Khalistan from India, on the other hand supporters of India stood there with Indian flags, what could be said defending their country of origin and their rights over these two parts of the land.
Lord Nazir Ahmed, a pro-Pakistan peer in the House of Lords, organised a "black day" protest demanding the freedom of Kashmir and Khalistan. The protest was aimed at highlighting the ‘oppression of india’.
The protest soon turned violent and needed police intervention after Ahmed's supporters were countered by many Indian and British groups.
Lord Nazir was seen telling an Indian activist “You must have been sent by RAW.” A pro-Khalistani activist also called an Indian protester, “you Hindu fascist.”
The counter-protesters questioned Lord Nazir on how he was making a mockery of the British system by openly playing Pakistan's game. A van written free Kashmir went around the city, including the Parliament.
Lord Ahmed on Thursday, preparing for the Friday protest said that on Republic day - Kashmiri Pakistanis and Khalistani brothers and other minorities mark as black day.
In an interview which was in Hindi, he went on to say, “We want to say that 5 such vehicles are ready and will be circulating until Modi comes to UK.
“India and RAW put pressure on advertising standards authority, Transport for London and the UK govt but they haven’t been able to stop it. We challenge them - if they can, try and stop it.”
An Indian activist who is from Kashmir countering Lord Nazir’s propaganda said, “we Kashmiris want freedom from Pakistan sponsored terrorism, violations of ceasefire and proxy war. I am here to tell that to Lord Nazir.”
Another man told AV, “I don’t understand, Lord Nazir has nothing to do with India. These men who are standing here demanding a separate state or country, they would not have been here if not for India. What is their identity? Their families were originally Indians. Also what’s the point of bringing the fight to UK soils? These people fighting against India, they were not even born there!”
