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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faces heckling from pro-Khalistan activists in London
(MENAFN) Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced heckling from pro-Khalistan activists in London as he was leaving Chatham House on Wednesday. The activists breached security, with one individual tearing off the Indian national flag in front of police officers. The perpetrator was briefly detained. Outside the building, demonstrators carrying Khalistan flags and chanting pro-Khalistan slogans were seen while Jaishankar was giving a speech.
India strongly condemned the incident, with a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that New Delhi "deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms" by such groups. The statement further called on the UK government to fulfill its diplomatic obligations regarding such incidents. Jaishankar is currently on a six-day visit to the UK and Ireland.
India has frequently raised concerns with the UK, US, and Canada regarding the activities of pro-Khalistan groups, which have staged protests, targeted diplomatic missions, and attacked Hindu temples in these countries, all of which have significant Sikh communities. Recently, a violent attack occurred in Toronto, where a group of pro-Khalistan supporters armed with sticks assaulted visitors outside a temple.
New Delhi has banned several pro-Khalistan organizations and declared their leaders, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as terrorists. India has also demanded the extradition of Khalistan leaders, including from the UK, although many of these requests have not been acted upon.
In one notable case, in 2021, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in the UK denied India's request to extradite Kuldeep Singh, a member of the Khalistan Zindabad Force. Singh is wanted for his involvement in assassination plots in Punjab, including the attack on former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.
Jaishankar's visit to London included meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other officials. After meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Jaishankar confirmed discussions focused on joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism.
India strongly condemned the incident, with a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that New Delhi "deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms" by such groups. The statement further called on the UK government to fulfill its diplomatic obligations regarding such incidents. Jaishankar is currently on a six-day visit to the UK and Ireland.
India has frequently raised concerns with the UK, US, and Canada regarding the activities of pro-Khalistan groups, which have staged protests, targeted diplomatic missions, and attacked Hindu temples in these countries, all of which have significant Sikh communities. Recently, a violent attack occurred in Toronto, where a group of pro-Khalistan supporters armed with sticks assaulted visitors outside a temple.
New Delhi has banned several pro-Khalistan organizations and declared their leaders, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as terrorists. India has also demanded the extradition of Khalistan leaders, including from the UK, although many of these requests have not been acted upon.
In one notable case, in 2021, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in the UK denied India's request to extradite Kuldeep Singh, a member of the Khalistan Zindabad Force. Singh is wanted for his involvement in assassination plots in Punjab, including the attack on former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.
Jaishankar's visit to London included meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other officials. After meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Jaishankar confirmed discussions focused on joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism.
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