Pro-Khalistan protestors staged a demonstration outside the venue of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s participation in a discussion held by Chatham House in London on Wednesday (UK local time). The protestors gathered outside, holding flags and speakers, raising slogans during the event.
Jaishankar, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, had earlier met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders. In his meeting with UK’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday, Jaishankar discussed various important topics, including the flow of talent and joint efforts to address trafficking and extremism. Jaishankar shared on X, “A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism.”
This protest follows a similar incident in January, when pro-Khalistan extremists gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to stage a protest. Earlier in the year, Khalistani supporters had stormed a cinema in Harrow, attempting to stop the screening of the film Emergency starring Kangana Ranaut.
Regarding the disruptions caused by Khalistani groups at UK theatres, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had remarked, “We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements, and freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively. Those obstructing it must be held accountable.” He also expressed hope that the UK authorities would take appropriate action against the responsible individuals.
In 2023, the Indian High Commission in London faced a violent attack by Khalistani supporters, allegedly in retaliation to the Punjab police crackdown on Amritpal Singh, leader of the Waris Punjab De group, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA linked these attacks to Khalistani forces attempting to influence the action taken against the outfit and its leader.