India removes security barricades outside UK mission

The Indian government has ordered the removal of security barricades placed outside the United Kingdom's mission and High Commissioner Alex Ellis' residence in New Delhi in protest against an attack on its diplomatic mission in London.

In retaliation for the UK police's inaction regarding an act of vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London by Khalistani extremists earlier this week, the security outside the mission and the residence of the High Commissioner were removed on Wednesday.

On being asked about the removal of barricades, a British High Commission spokesperson declined to reply, saying, "We do not comment on security matters."

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the senior-most UK diplomat on Sunday after Indian High Commission in London was vandalized by Khalistani extremists. 

According to an official statement, the diplomat was summoned to convey New Delhi's strong protest at the actions by separatist and extremist elements against the high commission in London. 

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An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. "India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK."

"It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today's incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," read the MEA's statement on Sunday. 

The UK police has arrested one person in connection to the vandalism in London; however. Many Indian politicians have put the blame for the incident on British security officials.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said it was utterly shocking that the vandalism was allowed to happen by Britain. 

"The real problem is not inside the High Commission but on the premises outside, which is the responsibility of the local authorities, in this case, the British authorities, to protect," Tharoor said.

Taking to Twitter, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, “Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara”- UK Govt must act against those miscreants who attempted to disrespect Indian Flag at High Commission,London. Punjab & Punjabis have a glorious track record of serving/protecting the Nation.Handful of jumping jacks sitting in UK do not represent Punjab."

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