Over the weekend, 112 supporters of separatist Amritpal Singh were arrested.
New Delhi:
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Britain’s senior-most diplomat to New Delhi late this evening after Khalistan supporters protesting the police crackdown on separatist Amritpal Singh brought down the Indian flag from the Indian High Commission in London. In a strongly worded statement, the ministry demanded an explanation for the “absence of security” at the High Commission premises and said the UK government’s “indifference” to Indian diplomats and personnel was “unacceptable”.
The protest started in the evening. Cellphone videos posted on social media showed protesters climbing the building and pulling down the Indian flag. In Brisbane, Australia, pro-Khalistan groups held a referendum on Khalistan.
In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “An explanation was sought for the complete absence of British security that had allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. They have been made aware of the basic obligations of the UK government under the Vienna Convention.” Was reminded.” statement.
The ministry also said that it finds “unacceptable” the “UK government’s apathy towards the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel”.
“It is expected that the UK government will take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved in today’s incident and will take strong measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted:
I condemn today’s shameful act against the people and the campus @HCI_London Totally unacceptable.
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) March 19, 2023
112 supporters of Amritpal Singh have been arrested over the weekend. Amritpal Singh is absconding. The action began after one of them barged into the police station with swords and guns to ensure the release of one of them. Six police officers were injured in the clash.
Since then, 78 supporters of Amritpal Singh have been arrested, many after a daring car chase. His close aide Daljit Singh Kalsi, who handles his finances, was arrested from Gurgaon in Haryana this morning.
Punjab Police tweeted the details of the action and said that 34 people were arrested today and the situation in the state is peaceful.
mega crackdown day 2 #Amritpal Singh Backed Waris Punjab Dey wanted on criminal charges, preventive arrest of persons attempting to disturb law and order #Punjab (1/2) pic.twitter.com/CG37H0UE1K
– Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) March 19, 2023
“Punjab Police is working within the law. #AmritpalSingh is still absconding and has not been arrested yet. Don’t believe in rumors & false news. Request all citizens to maintain peace & harmony & not panic ,” read another tweet.
Sources in the Punjab Police said that Amritpal Singh maintained close links with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and terrorist groups based abroad.
