India has taken a strong position regarding vandalism and protest by anti-India elements at its missions in London, Canada and the US. India has firmly said that it was not interested in assurances given by foreign governments regarding security of its missions and staff but would like to see action.
After waiting for any action from the UK government against vandalism at India House in London, New Delhi has decided to investigate the incident and identify Indian nationals involved. Delhi police have registered case against Indian nationals involved in unlawful activities at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, 2023. The investigation is being carried out by the special cell under appropriate sections of IPC, UAPA, and PDPP Act. The case was registered after the Ministry of Home Affairs asked Delhi Police to take appropriate legal action, ANI reported.
According to the Delhi Police, a special cell has started the investigation of the incident as it involves unlawful activities carried out by certain persons holding Indian nationality abroad. This development comes after Indian government put out its response in which UK Deputy High Commissioner was asked for an explanation. India also stressed that the perpetrators need to be arrested and prosecuted.
Despite the incident taking place on last Sunday, the UK police has neither made any arrests nor given out any details whether they have identified the perpetrators or not. This delay in investigation is not taken lightly by India as there are several videos available of the vandalism and there are enough CCTV cameras around India House to identify and arrest the culprits.
The Indian foreign ministry said that it had shared the incident report with relevant agencies and now it was up to law enforcement agencies to pursue it.
“Whenever we feel there is an issue related to the security of our missions abroad, high commissions or embassies, this issue is taken up,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
“We expect the host governments will take action to identify and prosecute all those involved. And take necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.”
India was not interested in assurances but would like to see action, he added.
India had earlier summoned the top British diplomat in New Delhi on Sunday to convey its “strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements” at the mission, and to seek an explanation for “the complete absence” of security there.
The UK foreign secretary James Cleverly termed it as an “act of violence” towards the Indian High Commission in London.
Calling it “unacceptable” he said, “We will always take the security of the High Commission, and all foreign missions in the UK, extremely seriously.”
Despite these assurances, British police has not arrested those involved in vandalism and violence at the Indian Mission.
Meanwhile Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomatic missions and officials amidst ongoing protests by Pak sponsored Khalistani elements.
Marilyne Guèvremont, a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada, told Wionews, “Global Affairs Canada is committed to the safety and security of these missions and diplomats. We take very seriously our security-related obligations under international law.”
The statement indicates that the Canadian government is taking the Khalistani protests and their potential impact on diplomatic safety seriously.
Canada is the third country after the UK and the US to issue assurances on the safety of Indian diplomatic missions after the Khalistani protests.
The Indian Mission in San Francisco was also attacked by protestors after which the White House and the US NSA issued statements condemning the incident.
“We certainly condemn that — that vandalism. It’s just absolutely unacceptable,” the White House said.
See Also:https://indiadiplomacy.in/india-awaits-tough-action-from-uk-against-khalistanis/
