Pro-Khalistan rally in London to go on: UK high commission

Smita Sharma 

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 7

The British High Commission in India has made it clear that it will not take any action to stop a pro-Khalistan rally in London on August 12. The agenda of the meeting organised by separatist Organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is to shape up the 'London Declaration On Referendum 2020' campaign seeking a separate Khalistan. 

The Indian government had sent three demarches and a note verbale asking UK to deny permission to hold this rally in Trafalgar Square with Sikh participants from US, UK, Canada and India expected. In its response, the British High Commission spokesperson said today, "In the UK people have the right to gather together and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law." 

Indian envoy to UK, Yash Sinha held meetings at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in July to lodge India's protest. In its note verbale, according to sources India also reminded UK of the 'strategic relationship' the two countries share. "The Ministry of External affairs, government of India, and the Indian high commission in London have sent separate notes verbale requesting the UK government to deny permission for the event," said VK Singh, MoS for External Affairs, in Rajya Sabha last week. 

The Tribune had earlier reported about the Pakistani ISI incitement behind the rally which caused furore in Parliament on Monday.

But British authorities have chosen to stick to their earlier stated response of not curbing down on the right to protest peacefully. "However, we will not tolerate any groups who spread hate or deliberately raise community fears and tensions by bringing disorder and violence to our towns and cities and the police have comprehensive powers to deal with such activities," added the High Commission spokesperson today.

Based in the Unites States, SFJ calls itself an international advocacy group. It plans to unveil a declaration advocating for "Sikhs' right to self-determination for the independence of Punjab". Pro-Khalistan elements on British soil have been a sensitive topic in bilateral ties between New Delhi and London which can well flare up to into a strategic irritant. 

Earlier in April this year, India lodged a strong protest with UK after the Tricolour was burnt by Khalistani elements at Parliament Square even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing a diaspora event in Westminster.