Indian Diaspora UK unites to flag Independence Day protests with UK PM

Indian Diaspora UK, a collective of over 100 diaspora organisations, have united to write to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to try and prevent any protests by Pakistani-led separatist groups near the High Commission of India in London on August 15 – India’s Independence Day.

“August 15 is a National Day celebrated by Indians and across the world by Indian diaspora. It is the day when the first foundation stone was laid to form the union of states and a vibrant democratic country by gaining Independence. This day is a joyous movement for all Indians/ British Indians settled in the UK too,” notes the letter sent to Downing Street this week.

It adds: “However, Pakistan and Pakistan supported violent Khalistan groups have been a hindrance to our celebrations by creating unrest and violently attacking celebrators at the High Commission of India, London in recent years. This pattern is observed more in recent years and every year the violence has gone a step further.

“We would like to mention the violent attacks by sharp weapons on police personnel too apart from Indians gathered to celebrate last year (2019).”

Copies of the letter have also been sent to UK Secretary of State Priti Patel, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick.

“Therefore, we request you to take note of the situation and enable to stop such protests especially at locations such as India House i.e. High Commission of India, London.”

The Indian Diaspora UK, whose signatories include organisations such as Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK, Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Akshay Patra Foundation UK, India Welfare Society and International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) among others, describes the estimated 1.5-million Indian diaspora based in the UK as a “strong bridge” between the UK and India.

(ANI)