Indians in London counter pro-Khalistan protest with ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ outside high commission | India News

NEW DELHI: A protest by pro-Khalistan supporters on Sunday outside the Indian High Commission in London during the Republic Day celebrations was met with a strong counter-protest by the Indian diaspora. The Khalistani demonstrators gathered to stage a protest against the Indian government, chanting slogans and carrying banners calling for the establishment of a separate Sikh state. They criticised India’s policies, particularly allegations of human rights violations in Punjab and the treatment of minority groups.
Meanwhile, a significant number of Indian supporters, waving the Indian tricolour and chanting patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” gathered in counter-protest. They expressed their unity with India, emphasising the country’s territorial integrity and national pride. The two groups were separated by a significant police presence to avoid any escalation of violence.

The Khalistani protesters accused the Indian government of suppressing Sikh voices and called for international intervention. However, supporters of India rejected these claims, stating that such protests disrespected the importance of Republic Day, which celebrates India’s unity and democratic values.
One Indian supporter at the High Commission in London told ANI, “Vande Bharat! Bharat Mata ki Jai! We came here for the 76th Republic Day celebrations. When we came outside after flag hoisting, we saw that some Khalistani demonstrators were insulting our National flag. We just want to say that we are not affected by their actions…”
Another supporter added, “We had come to the Indian High Commission for flag hoisting on the occasion of 76th Republic Day. We saw some Khalistanis had gathered outside and they were insulting our national flag. I want to let them know that their actions do not make a difference to us or our country. Although we are less in number here our spirits are higher than theirs. We will fight till our last breath.”