London: The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the security breach involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after a pro-Khalistan protester broke through security barriers and approached his motorcade outside Chatham House in London on Wednesday evening.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events were “completely unacceptable.” The UK authorities assured that swift action was taken by the Metropolitan Police to handle the situation and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the security of diplomatic visitors.
UK Responds to Security Breach
“We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK,” said an FCDO spokesperson, as quoted by PTI. “While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events is completely unacceptable.”
The UK government emphasized that necessary measures were in place to protect all diplomatic guests in line with international obligations.
Pro-Khalistan Protesters at Chatham House
The security lapse occurred at Chatham House, home to the Royal Institute of International Affairs, on the second day of Jaishankar’s nearly week-long visit to the UK and Ireland. Social media videos showed a small group of pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered across the street, waving yellow flags and shouting slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad.”
Jaishankar was inside the venue when the disruption occurred. The protestors, positioned behind metal barriers, had been voicing their dissent while the Indian minister was delivering his speech. However, one individual managed to breach security before being swiftly intercepted by the police.
Swift Police Action and Diplomatic Security Measures
The Metropolitan Police acted promptly to control the situation, ensuring that the breach did not escalate. The UK government has reassured India that it remains fully committed to providing robust diplomatic security to foreign dignitaries.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding pro-Khalistan activities in the UK. India has previously raised concerns over the safety of its diplomats and has urged stronger action against extremist elements operating on British soil.
