Attack On Tricolour At Indian Embassy In London: Sikh Community Stages Protest At British High Commission In New Delhi

On Monday, 20 March, a group of Sikh community members assembled outside the British High Commission in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to protest against pro-Khalistan separatists who pulled down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission in London the previous day.

The demonstrators carried the Indian tricolour and signs, chanting slogans expressing their pride in India and their refusal to accept any disrespect towards the national flag.

The incident in London occurred on Sunday when a group of protesters, holding pro-Khalistan flags and shouting pro-Khalistan slogans, tried to bring down the Indian flag at the High Commission. The flag was saved by a security officer present.

Officials from the Indian mission reported that the attempted attack was thwarted and the tricolour now flies even more prominently.

The Metropolitan Police revealed that two security staff members suffered minor injuries, which did not necessitate hospital care, and an investigation is underway.

On Sunday night, India summoned the British deputy high commissioner and demanded an explanation regarding the absence of security in the host country.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm statement, deeming the UK government's indifference towards the safety of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK as "unacceptable."

High-ranking British officials have since condemned the vandalism at the Indian High Commission as "disgraceful" and "completely unacceptable," assuring that they will take the security of the Indian High Commission seriously.

(with inputs from PTI)