India issues demarche to Britain over proposed pro-Khalistan event In London

Following reports of a pro-Khalistan event being planned in London next month, a senior official Mr Kumar said on Thursday that India has issued a demarche to Britain in this connection.

“We have seen the reports and I would like to confirm that we have taken up this matter with the UK government,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a media briefing. “We have also issued a demarche to them,” he said.

“We expect that the UK government will not allow any such group, whose intention is to spread hatred and impact our bilateral relations, to use its country.”

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a human right advocacy group with radical leanings, has announced that it will hold what it calls a “London Declaration” on an independence referendum for the Indian state of Punjab in the British capital on August 12.

Kumar said the majority of the Sikh community, whether they be in Britain or living in other countries, have very good relations with India.

“They also have good relations with the countries in which they are living,” he said.

“As far as such small groups are concerned, I believe that these are fringe elements and their job is to spread hatred and communal disharmony.”

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The British High Commission in India on 11th July reacted cautiously to reports that Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a separatist organisation, has offered to sponsor Punjab youth and political activists to travel London for a meeting on August 12 this year.

According to the Tribune report, The August meeting is proposed to shape up the ‘London Declaration On Referendum 2020’ campaign seeking a separate Khalistan. Asked if it reflects the UK government policy to support separatist elements, the British High Commission spokesperson in Delhi.

“In the UK people have the right to gather together and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law”.