On 30th January, Thursday, India’s External Affairs ministry discussed its concerns around the safety and security of the Indian High Commission in London. The discussion occurs in light of the series of protests hosted outside India House and especially those organised on 26th January coinciding with India’s Republic Day.
Hundreds and thousands have gathered outside the High Commission, slamming the Indian Government for the revocation of Article 370 in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. They have now even demanded for an end to the ongoing "crackdown" in the region as well as protesting against the recently unveiled CAB, NRC and NPP Bills. These demonstrations are mostly organised by members of the Pakistani diaspora, Sikhs pledging for a separate Punjab or Mirpuri Kashmiris.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency, Ruchi Ghanashyam had recently raised security concerns with home secretary Priti Patel. Now, the Indian Government has stepped in highlighting such incidents create difficulties in the functioning of their diplomatic quarters.
"We have taken up the issue with the British government. These incidents create difficulties in functioning of our High Commission," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
He hoped that anti-India protests in London are not repeated in the future. However, India had conveyed its concerns to the UK Foreign Office earlier over violent protests organised pre-dominantly by Pakistani supporters outside the Indian High Commission on the Independence Day last year. The matter remains under consideration.
