There was cross-party condemnation of the vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London over the weekend, with members of Parliament calling for tough action against the “Khalistani hooligans” behind the attack.
Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for a ban of on terrorists linked with such anti-India incidents, which have also taken place in other parts of the world.
Blackman said in the House of Commons: “The hooliganism of Khalistani hooligans outside the Indian High Commission on Sunday [March 19] is a disgrace to this country. This is the sixth time in as many years that the high commission has been attacked in a similar way.
“Khalistani militants are operating across the world; Canada, the United States and Australia saw similar attacks over the weekend. We are harbouring Khalistani terrorists in this country right now. Can we have a debate in government time on what action we can take to ensure that these terrorists are held to account and banned in this country?”
Opposition Labour Party MP Gareth Thomas spoke of the damage caused at India House, where staff were injured and the High Commission itself was vandalised, and questioned the steps being taken to ensure the safety and security of the Indian mission in London.
Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the Commons, responded to “strongly condemn” the appalling and unacceptable incident of vandalism.
She noted: “There is ongoing work with the Metropolitan Police to review the protection measures around the high commission, and any changes will be made to ensure the safety and security of its staff so that they can go about their business, serving both this country and India.
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“We take the security of the Indian High Commission extremely seriously and we have been in close contact with the government of India on this issue.”
The Indian High Commission in London, meanwhile, has been working to counter a disinformation campaign unleashed by the Khalistani groups behind the protests.
“Do not believe disinformation aimed to disrupt harmony. Indians will always respect religious beliefs of all,” the High Commission said.
