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Man arrested after protest at Indian High Commission in London

March 20, 2023
Windows were broken as crowds gathered at the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday
Windows were broken as crowds gathered at the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday

LONDON —

Police were called to the building in Aldwych, Westminster, on Sunday.

Videos on social media showed a crowd waving yellow "Khalistan" banners and a man detach the Indian flag from the first-floor balcony of the building.

The Metropolitan Police said two security guards were injured and an investigation has been launched.

PA news agency said crowd members were believed to be supporters of a Sikh separatist movement.

Officers were called to the Indian High Commission at about 13:50 GMT on Sunday.

Upon arrival "the majority of those present had dispersed prior to the arrival of police", said the Met.

The force's spokesperson said "windows were broken" and two members of security staff sustained minor injuries which did not require hospital treatment.

The Met said inquiries were continuing.

Responding to the incident, London's mayor Sadiq Khan said he condemned "the violent disorder and vandalism that took place".

"There is no place in our city for this kind of behavior", he tweeted.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis described the incident as "disgraceful" and "totally unacceptable".

Foreign Office minister Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said he was "appalled" and the government would take the security of the Indian High Commission "seriously".

"This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff", he said. — BBC


March 20, 2023
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