A Sikh demonstration took place outside the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, on Thursday 22nd October. Initially planned as a peaceful protest, it led to a police officer being injured and 20 arrests.
According to the Sikh Press Association, the protest was held to highlight police brutality. A statement from their website read, “Recent deaths in Punjab have again brought to light the plight of ethnic minorities in India. Sikhs have continually found themselves victims of the most severe kind of police brutality, leading to the death of unarmed protesters and even bystanders during gatherings. However, there still seems to be a lack of empathy regarding the suffering of Sikhs.”
Regarding the protest, a Scotland Yard spokesperson said, “The Metropolitan Police Service was aware of a planned demonstration at the Indian High Commission. Whilst it was initially a peaceful protest, the demonstrators blocked roadway at the Aldwych and caused significant disruption to the central London road network. Police liaison officers attempted to negotiate with those present in order to facilitate peaceful protest and minimise the disruption to the public... During an altercation, one officer suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital. There are no reports of any other injuries.”
