A group of Khalistani extremists attempted to disrupt the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London, with a protest escalating into a security breach. As Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House venue after a discussion, a man ran toward his car and tore the Indian national flag in front of police officers.
Khalistani Extremists Try To Attack S Jaishankar In London
Why In News
- A group of Khalistani extremists attempted to disrupt the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London, with a protest escalating into a security breach. As Jaishankar was leaving the Chatham House venue after a discussion, a man ran toward his car and tore the Indian national flag in front of police officers.
All you need To know
- A video of the incident, now circulating online, shows the man aggressively rushing towards the minister’s convoy while officers initially appeared hesitant to act. The protester can be seen tearing the tricolour as others shouted slogans.
- However, moments later, the police moved in and took him and other extremists away. Another video surfaced showing Khalistani extremists protesting outside the venue where Jaishankar was participating in a discussion. The footage captures them waving flags and chanting pro-Khalistani slogans. The incident occurred during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK from March 4 to 9.
- Earlier, Jaishankar held extensive discussions at Chevening House with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, covering a wide range of bilateral issues, including strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
- During a discussion at Chatham House, S Jaishankar was asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi could leverage former US President Donald Trump’s enthusiasm for striking peace to resolve the Kashmir issue with Pakistan.
- Jaishankar firmly defended India’s approach, rejecting any need for third-party intervention. He stated that India had already taken decisive steps to address the situation, including the abrogation of Article 370, economic development in the region, and high-turnout elections.
- However, he emphasised that the unresolved part of the issue lay beyond India’s control. “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under an illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved,” Jaishankar said.
Growing Incidents Of Khalistani Activities
- This incident is a part of an escalating pro-Khalistan demonstrations in the UK. According to an ANI report, in January 2024, separatist elements gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London, trying to create unrest. Khalistani supporters have also entered UK cinemas and tried to stop the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency.
- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has continuously urged the UK to take strong action against extremist groups. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated earlier, “Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those restricting it must be held accountable.”
- Despite these disruptions, Jaishankar continued his diplomatic talks, holding discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign secretary David Lammy, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
- Posting on his official account on X, Jaishankar wrote, ‘’A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to people exchanges, and joint efforts in handling trafficking and extremism.’’
