Amidst reports of alleged Khalistan supporters issuing threats to Indian diplomats in the United Kingdom, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said any direct attacks on the Indian High Commission in London was “totally unacceptable.”
In response to the planned 'Kill India' rally scheduled to take place outside the Indian High Commission on July 8, Cleverly expressed the United Kingdom's commitment to prioritize the security of the High Commission's personnel.
Cleverly tweeted, "We have made clear to @VDoraiswami and the Government of India that the safety of staff at the High Commission is paramount." Cleverly was referring to India's High Commissioner to London, Vikram Doraiswami. British High Commissioner to New Delhi, Alex Ellis, retweeted Cleverly's message and added, "To amplify the importance which @FCDOGovUK attaches to the safety and security of friends and colleagues, and their premises, at @HCI_London."
The rally announcements circulating on Twitter featured images of Doraiswami and India's consul general in Birmingham, Shashank Vikram. The planned rally is reportedly a response to the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist, in Canada last month.
This development follows recent incidents of Khalistani backers vandalizing the Indian consulate in San Francisco and attempting to set fire to the premises. Threats have also been issued against Indian diplomats in Canada, Australia, and the United States by alleged Khalistani supporters who have circulated posters naming them.
India has raised concerns and taken strong action against Khalistani activists with authorities in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, urging appropriate measures to be taken against them.
The attack on the Indian mission in San Francisco comes just over three months after Khalistani activists planted flags, breached barricades, and smashed windows at the consulate.