There was high drama outside the Indian high commission in London on Friday afternoon as groups opposed to India staged a noisy demonstration and were countered by a pro-India group of people shouting slogans of “Modi, Modi” and “Vande Mataram”.
The group shouting slogans in favour of Khalistan and independence for Jammu and Kashmir were reportedly organised by the Pakistani-origin member of the House of Lords, Nazir Ahmed. For some time, police had a tough time keeping the two groups apart.
Organised to coincide with Republic Day, the anti-India protests were preceded by some private vans going around central London with slogans in support of Khalistan and “independence for Jammu and Kashmir”. The protests also mentioned separatist movements in India’s northeast.
The day included a “vigil” outside India House by the anti-racism organisation South Asia Solidarity Group, which said it stood with Indians opposed to alleged acts of violence and hate against minorities.
There was no official comment from the Indian high commission on the protests.