London/New Delhi, March 8: India has strongly condemned a security breach in London, where pro-Khalistan extremists attempted to disrupt the visit of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar. The incident occurred outside Chatham House, a prestigious policy institute, where Jaishankar was attending an event as part of his UK visit.
According to reports, a protester broke through police barricades and attempted to damage the Indian national flag near Jaishankar’s convoy. The individual was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement officials, but the attempted disruption has raised concerns over the security arrangements for Indian dignitaries abroad.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the extremist elements. It has urged the UK government to take strict measures against such groups, emphasizing that political protests should not be allowed to compromise the safety of visiting foreign leaders.
“We strongly condemn the security breach involving India’s External Affairs Minister in London. The repeated misuse of democratic freedoms by extremist elements in certain countries is a matter of deep concern,” an MEA spokesperson stated.
The Indian government has formally conveyed its concern to British authorities and called for decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response, the UK Foreign Office expressed its disapproval of the attempted disruption, reiterating its commitment to maintaining the security of foreign dignitaries. British officials emphasized that while peaceful protests are permitted, any acts of violence or intimidation will not be tolerated.
"The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to contain the situation. The UK remains committed to ensuring the safety of diplomatic personnel and upholding international obligations," a UK government statement said.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by pro-Khalistan groups operating in Western countries. The Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state, has been categorized as a security threat by the Indian government. Similar protests have been staged outside Indian diplomatic missions in the UK, Canada, and Australia in recent years.
The Indian government has repeatedly urged Western nations to crack down on extremist groups that promote separatist propaganda and incite violence. This latest security breach in London has once again underscored the urgency of addressing the issue at a diplomatic level.
As investigations continue, India has reaffirmed its expectation that host countries will ensure the safety and dignity of its representatives abroad.
