Pro-Khalistan protester tries to accost EAM S Jaishankar

NEW DELHI: The Indian government deplored the misuse of democratic freedoms by pro-Khalistan separatists after a breach of security during foreign minister S Jaishankar's ongoing visit to the UK. While the MEA did not confirm if it has officially lodged a protest with London, the ministry said in a statement that India expects the host government in such cases to fully live up to its diplomatic obligations.
"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," said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Following India's statement, the UK, too, condemned the incident, calling it completely unacceptable. "While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations," said a spokesperson.

The freedom enjoyed by anti-India extremists has remained a vexing problem in bilateral ties and Jaishankar raised the issue again in his meeting with UK home secretary Yvette Cooper in a meeting this week.
On this occasion, pro-Khalistan protesters had gathered outside Chatham House, where the minister was participating in a discussion, and tried to heckle him while he was leaving the venue in his car. One of the protesters also sprinted towards the car while pulling at an Indian flag, but was quickly restrained by the cops, according to a video that went viral on social media.