A protest by a pro-Khalistan group outside the Indian High Commission in United Kingdom’s capital London was met with a counter-protest from the Indian diaspora on Sunday. The counter-protesters were seen raising slogans like “gali gali mein shor hai, khalistan chor hai” (Khalistan is a thief) and “Bharat mata ki jai” (Victory to Mother India).
#WATCH | London, UK: Protest by a pro-Khalistan mob outside the Indian High Commission in London was met with counter-protest from the Indian diaspora. pic.twitter.com/emR6UumK0D
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
A member of the Indian diaspora told news agency ANI, “We had come to the Indian High Commission for flag hoisting on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. We saw some Khalistanis had gathered outside and they were insulting our national flag. I want to let them know that their actions do not make a difference to us or our country. Although we are less in number here, our spirits are higher than theirs. We will fight till our last breath.”
#WATCH | London, UK: A member of the India diaspora says, “… We had come to the Indian High Commission for flag hoisting on the occasion of 76th Republic Day. We saw some Khalistanis had gathered outside and they were insulting our national flag. I want to let them know that… https://t.co/xhIjsRw7h9 pic.twitter.com/evSrASpv87
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
Another member of the diaspora added, “We had gathered at the High Commission to celebrate the 76th Republic Day. We noticed Khalistanis had gathered outside and were protesting against India and our integrity. We assembled here to retaliate to their protest. Nobody can dare to break India’s unity and culture.”
#WATCH | London, UK: A member of the India diaspora says, “We had gathered at the High Commission to celebrate the 76th Republic Day. We noticed Khalistanis had gathered outside and were protesting against India and our integrity. We assembled here to retaliate to their protest.… pic.twitter.com/K3IMQRM0Gw
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
Pro-Khalistan Extremists Disrupt Screening Of ‘Emergency’, India Asks UK To Take ‘Appropriate Action’
Previously, a group of pro-Khalistan extremists stormed a cinema in Harrow, London, on January 20 attempting to halt the screening of the film Emergency, which is a biopic of former prime minister Indira Gandhi and also depicts India’s 1975 emergency period.
During a weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the reports about disruptions to the film’s screening.
He said, “We have also seen several reports on how the film, Emergency, which was being screened in several halls, was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable.”
He added, “We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. We expect the UK side to take strong appropriate action in this matter.”
ALSO READ | UK MP condemns ‘Emergency’ film screening disruption by ‘Khalistani terrorists’
In 2023, the Indian High Commission in London faced a violent attack by Khalistani supporters, who were allegedly attempting to further the cause of Khalistan, seeking the secession of Punjab from India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has claimed that these attacks were in retaliation for the actions taken by the Punjab police against Amritpal Singh, leader of the pro-Khalistan group Waris Punjab De, in an effort to influence the crackdown on the group and its leader.
