LONDON: Demonstrators gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to protest against the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nagar, who was actively involved in the Khalistan movement advocating for the freedom of Punjab. The protesters accused the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of being responsible for Nagar’s death and alleged that the government has employed violent measures to suppress the Khalistan movement.
The Sikh protesters voiced their determination to continue the struggle for the liberation of Indian Punjab and criticized the Indian government’s attempts to marginalize Sikh leaders as a means to intimidate the Sikh community. They emphasized that Indian tactics would not deter them from their pursuit of Khalistan’s freedom.
Security Measures Outside Indian High Commission
In response to the demonstration, local authorities have deployed a police force to ensure the safety and security of the Indian High Commission. This action follows a previous incident in which Sikh youth removed the Indian flag hoisted at the High Commission and placed iron wires around the main entrance. The heightened security measures were implemented due to concerns raised by Indian authorities regarding the Sikh demonstration.
The British Foreign Secretary has reassured the Indian government regarding security arrangements, acknowledging their concerns. The protest signifies the ongoing tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement and highlights the deep-rooted grievances of the Sikh community.
The demand for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland, has been a contentious issue in India for decades. While the Indian government maintains that Punjab is an integral part of the country, there are sections of the Sikh population who continue to advocate for Khalistan’s separate existence.
