The latest vandalism and attacks by the pro-Khalistani supporters on the Indian High Commission in London has evoked rage across India. Despite India lodging a strong protest with the UK authorities, these Khalistani supporters are protesting in front of the Indian High Commission.

 

 

It is pertinent to mention that there have been instances where the UK has failed to protect the Indian diplomats in UK.

 

 

In order to release Maqbool Bhatt, the co-founder of the radical Islamist terror outfit Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Ravindra Hareshwar Mhatre, 48-year-old Indian diplomat was kidnapped and later killed in Birmingham in 1984 by British Kashmiri militants.

 

After so much of chaos, at least 5 radicals were arrested in the murder cases in different span of time.

 

 

In 2019, India was upset with the violent demonstration that involved smashing window panes and damaging the property by over 10,000 protesters over the abrogation of Article 370 outside its high commission in London and had urged the British government to take strong action against those involved. MEA had said, "We are deeply concerned by the reports of an unruly demonstration by Pakistan-incited elements and the consequent organised vandalism of the property of the High Commission of India in London".

 

The agitating groups were taking part in the ‘Kashmir Freedom March’ that began at Parliament Square Tuesday and moved towards India House, with protesters waving placards and chanting slogans such as “Azadi” and “stop shelling in Kashmir”.

 

Notably, British Labour MP Liam Byrne had took part in the agitation Tuesday, tweeted, “Today thousands of people marched from Downing Street to the Indian High Commission to send a clear message to Mr Modi — you cannot silence the people of Kashmir.”

 

 

Over 100 pro-LTTE supporters on Monday vandalised Indian High Commissions in London, demanding an immediate end to the Lankan army's offensive against Tiger rebels in the island nation's northern war zone. They had smashed the bullet-proof glasses in the front of the India House, housing the Indian High Commission.

 

Initially there were about 100 pro-LTTE demonstrators protesting before the Indian High Commission whose rank swelled to over 2,000 at one stage as activists camping at the Parliament houses joined them shouting slogans, demanding immediate ceasefire.

 

In spite of the violent actions by the pro-LTTE demonstrators, police were reluctant to act swiftly against them, eye witnesses said. However, three persons were arrested at the Sri Lankan High Commission for similar protests.

 

 

In 1973, three Pakistanis armed with knives, guns and acid spray broke into the Indian High commission. They injured three Indian diplomats. They callled the metropolitian police who fired upon the attackers and killed two of them when they rfused to surrender.

Despite such incident, UK did not increased the security for the Indian High Commission. The UK Home Secretary at that time said, "I cannot accept the need for more armed police to be available. What is necessary ..is that police should be available quickly."

 

 

In 1977, an Indian diplomat Anwar Singh Ahluwalia was attacked in London after vandalism took place inside the Indian Tourist Office. There were reports that the banned sect Ananda Marga were behind the attack, however, it had denied any link with the attack.

After the Operation Blue Star, massive protests took place in front of Indian High Commission. Over 15,000 Bhindranwale supporters wanted to wage war against India.