Insiders report that barricades outside the UK High Commissioner’s residence, in India were removed on Wednesday. Indian government reduced security after a violent protest at the Indian High Commission. A pro-Khalistan activist removed the national flag from the building’s pole. The Indian side shared intelligence on possible violent protests with British authorities, but the police arrived late.
British Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott was summoned to the Indian External Affairs Ministry late Sunday. India demanded an explanation for the lack of security and urged the UK to identify, arrest, and prosecute the protesters.
The Indian side also asked the UK to put in place “stringent measures” to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and reminded it of its obligations under the Vienna Convention.
“India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK,” the external affairs ministry said.
UK high commissioner Alex Ellis, who is away from India, had denounced the incident at the Indian mission. “I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the @HCI_London – totally unacceptable,” he said in a tweet.
India also lodged a strong protest with the US on Monday over the vandalization of its consulate in San Francisco during a protest by pro-Khalistan activists.
The diplomat was summoned to convey New Delhi’s strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the high commission in London earlier on Sunday.
An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. “India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK.