The images and videos reveals that a small group of Khalistan supporters gathered with placards in hands were shouting anti-India slogans and protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside India House in Central London on January 26.
Recent media reports emerged that the Indian national flag was burnt during a demonstration by separatist groups outside the India High Commission in Central London.
“We are disappointed that anyone would choose to burn the Indian flag on any day, let alone the celebration of Republic Day, and we regret the upset caused.”
As per a PTI report, a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesperson expressed regret on behalf of UK government on Monday
“We congratulate India on…Republic Day celebration, and look forward to deepening our relationship further as we prepare to leave the European Union and forge new partnerships with key global allies.”
Added the FCO spokesperson
The Metropolitan Police statement, “On Saturday, 26 January a demonstration took place outside India House in Aldwych, WC2. An appropriate policing plan was in place.”
The statement included, “There were no incidents of note and no arrests. No allegations of crime have been reported. We are aware of a social media video that appears to be from the demonstration outside India House in Aldwych on Saturday, 26 January. We are working to establish the exact circumstances of it.”
“We are proud to be a country that fiercely protects the rights of individuals to peaceful protest and free speech as essential parts of a vibrant democracy, provided that demonstrators act within the law. We do not condone the burning of national flags, which is deeply offensive to most people.”
An FCO spokesperson said
During PM Modi’s visit to London in summer last April,
PM Modi’s visit to UK in April last year experienced a similar scenario wherein a group of pro-Khalistani demonstrators along with Kashmiri separatist group had assembled with placards “Minorities Against Modi” and dishonoured the tricolor in Parliament Square.
Stay tuned for more updates!
