On Thursday, the New Delhi Police issued first information reports (FIR) against Indian citizens involved in the violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, where pro-Khalistani protestors pulled down the Indian flag.
The police did so on the instruction of the Ministry of Homes Affairs, which demanded an investigation into the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) report on the incident.
Second Protest in London This Week
On Wednesday, supporters gathered for a second protest to support the extremist Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh.
Media reports from the protest site said those gathered were forced to protest across the street from the Indian mission, waving yellow and blue and white Khalistan flags. However, protestors still managed to attack the building with smoke bombs and bottles.
The U.S. condemns the attack on Sunday against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Violence against diplomatic facilities within the U.S. is a punishable crime. It is our priority to defend the security & safety of these facilities & the diplomats who work within them.
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) March 20, 2023
However, the Metropolitan Police successfully stopped protestors from entering the building to “ensure no repeat of violence and vandalism.” Authorities have also deployed additional security officers in light of the volatile atmosphere.
UK Government Responds
British Foreign Ministry James Cleverly said on Wednesday that the High Commission security is currently being re-evaluated, given the “unacceptable acts of violence” against the diplomatic staff.
Several other diplomatic officials condemned the incident and reassured India of the UK’s commitment to the safety and security of its diplomatic staff.
Protests in Several Western Countries
Marilyne Guèvremont, spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada: Global Affairs Canada is committed to the safety and security of these missions and diplomats. We take very seriously our security-related obligations under international law.
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 24, 2023
Since several supporters of the Khalistan movement and Amritpal Singh were arrested in Punjab on 18 March, pro-Khalistan groups have launched protests against the Indian government in numerous Western countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia.
For instance, on 20 March, India launched a “strong protest” with the US for failing to take “appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents” after an incident of vandalism in San Francisco. India’s External Affairs Ministry reminded the US of “its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation.”
A National Security Council official said later on the same day that it would work with local authorities to ensure security “from an infrastructure perspective, [and] report the damage.”
India has also taken up the issue of Sikh radicalism with Australia after several incidents of vandalism and attacks over the past month.