Low-key Protest by Separatist Groups at Indian Mission in London: A Report

On Thursday, a small group of protesters gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London, carrying pro-Khalistan placards and banners in support of Kashmiri separatist leaders. The protests are part of a #PunjabUnderSiege social media campaign being coordinated across the UK and US, and are planned over several days. The Metropolitan Police has a “robust” policing plan in place to prevent any disorder, with several police officers patrolling the area and a police van stationed outside India House. The British government has confirmed that a security review is underway for the Indian High Commission in London. The protests are not expected to impact the ongoing India-UK free trade agreement negotiations. Similar protests have taken place in other cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, Indianapolis, and Fresno. Last weekend, groups gathered at Parliament Square in London, and on Wednesday, protesters hurled coloured flares and water bottles towards the mission during a planned demonstration.