The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reacted to the security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the UK. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the “provocative activities,” as he denounced the actions of a “small group of separatists and extremists” in the official statement.
“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” Jaiswal said.
Pro-Khalistan protesters staged a demonstration outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was participating in a discussion. The protesters, holding flags and using loudspeakers, chanted slogans while Jaishankar engaged in dialogue inside the venue.
Earlier in January, a group of pro-Khalistan activists gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to stage a protest. They also stormed a cinema in Harrow, attempting to disrupt the screening of the Kangana Ranaut starrer film Emergency.
Condemning the incident, Jaiswal had said, “We have consistently raised our concerns with the UK government regarding violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those who attempt to obstruct it must be held accountable.”
