Tit-for-tat: Barricades removed outside UK mission after London's Khalistan protest
Barricades outside the United Kingdom (UK) mission at Shantipath in Chankyapuri and the residence of the British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, at Rajaji Marg in Delhi were removed on Wednesday afternoon. Reports said the move was intended to reduce security; however, the number of security personnel posted was not lessened. The British High Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
Why does this story matter?
The move is being viewed as retaliation against the UK after pro-Khalistani activists in London climbed onto a balcony of the Indian consulate and pulled down India's national flag on Sunday. The vandalism was in protest against the Indian government's crackdown on radical preacher and Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh. Notably, the Indian High Commission in London didn't have any noticeable security at the time.
MEA yet to release an official statement regarding the matter
US embassy subjected to similar treatment in 2013
In 2013, the barricades outside the United States (US) embassy in Delhi were removed after Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was arrested and strip-searched in New York. She was accused of visa fraud and exploiting her housekeeper. Along similar lines, the Delhi Police on Wednesday removed around 12 concrete blocks used to barricade the British High Commission and the envoy's residence.
Indifference unacceptable: India to UK
Following the Sunday mayhem in London, the Indian government summoned the British envoy to register its protest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sought an explanation from Deputy High Commissioner Christina Scott regarding the absence of security at the Indian consulate, which allowed the vandalism by Khalistan supporters. Citing the obligations under the Vienna Convention, the MEA termed the UK's indifference "unacceptable."
India replaced tricolor with bigger one after pro-Khalistanis removed it
One person was arrested for pulling down the tricolor, and a larger Indian national flag was erected following the event on Sunday. Several videos showed an Indian High Commission official rescuing the tricolor from a group of protesters chanting pro-Khalistani slogans and waving Khalistani flags.
