Fresh protests erupted outside the Indian High Commission in London over the Indian government’s abrogation of Article 370 which gave special privileges to Jammu and Kashmir. The protests turned violent with damage being caused to the Indian consulate’s building premises.
This is the second time India has raised concerns about violence outside the Indian consulate in London, with the first protest having taken place on August 15.
BJP’s in-Charge of the Foreign Affairs Department, Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale reacted angrily to the inaction by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the police.
“This is the second attack on Indian High Commission in London in the last one month. It is the direct result of lawlessness prevailing in London, totally ineffective Metropolitan Police, silent support of London Mayor Sadiq Khan to anti-India elements. I condemn it in the strongest terms. Is London turning into lawless sub-Saharan African country where goons rule?” Dr Chauthaiwale told Connected to India.
The London Mayor tweeted a response to the incident, condemning the violent protests and calling them “unacceptable”.
The previous incident saw Independence Day celebrations by the Indian diaspora in London being disrupted by Pakistan-backed protestors and pro-Khalistani elements, who pelted stones and eggs on the embassy building and the Indians gathered outside.
Two people have been arrested for the latest acts of violence outside the Indian consulate, as per a statement by the Metropolitan Police.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has also condemned the violence.
"It is absolutely right that any violence is deplorable. It shouldn't be conducted in this country, or anywhere else for that matter, at any individual communities. What we now need to do is try and reduce those tensions but also, on a positive side, build up confidence building measures to allow proper dialogue between the communities in Kashmir and also between India and Pakistan," Raab told the British parliament on Tuesday.
