India has strongly criticized a security breach during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the UK, condemning the actions of separatist and extremist elements.
NEW DELHI: India has strongly condemned a security breach that occurred during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, denouncing the actions of separatist and extremist elements involved in the incident.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the disruptive activities of a small group of individuals and reiterated India’s firm stance against the misuse of democratic freedoms for subversive purposes. The ministry also called upon the UK government to uphold its diplomatic obligations and ensure the safety and security of visiting dignitaries.
“We have seen footage of a security breach during the visit of EAM to the UK. We strongly condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. India deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government to fully live up to its diplomatic obligations in such cases,”
an MEA spokesperson stated.
Pro-Khalistan Protest Outside Chatham House
The security incident in question took place outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar was participating in a discussion on India’s evolving foreign policy, regional dynamics, and global economic challenges. During the event, pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside the venue, waving flags, using loudspeakers, and chanting slogans in an attempt to disrupt the proceedings.
Despite their actions, the discussion continued as scheduled, with Jaishankar engaging in a conversation with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. This is not the first time that such disruptions have taken place in the UK.
Repeated Incidents of Anti-India Protests in the UK
In January 2024, a group of pro-Khalistan extremists staged a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, raising concerns about the security of diplomatic premises. Additionally, they stormed a cinema in Harrow, attempting to halt the screening of the Bollywood film Emergency, directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut. The movie, which portrays historical events related to India’s Emergency period, was met with hostility from these groups, who sought to obstruct its public exhibition.
When questioned about the repeated acts of violence and disruptions caused by pro-Khalistan elements, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s stance, emphasizing that
“Freedom of speech and expression should not be selectively applied and that those engaging in violent protests must be held accountable”
“We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable,”
Jaiswal stated.
He further emphasized that the
“Indian government expects the UK authorities to take firm and appropriate action against those responsible for such disturbances“
The Indian High Commission in London remains in close communication with the Indian diaspora and community members to ensure their safety and welfare amid these ongoing threats.
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History of Violent Attacks by Khalistani Supporters in London
The latest security breach adds to a growing list of incidents involving Khalistani separatists in the UK. In March 2023, a violent attack was carried out on the Indian High Commission in London by Khalistani supporters seeking to further their separatist agenda.
The attack, as per the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was reportedly orchestrated in response to actions taken by Indian authorities against Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De, a radical organization advocating for the creation of an independent Khalistan.
According to the NIA, the perpetrators behind the London attack aimed to exert pressure on Indian authorities to halt their crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his outfit. The agency has since been investigating the international links of these extremist groups and their attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty.
India has consistently urged the UK government to take stringent measures against separatist groups operating on British soil. The latest incident involving EAM Jaishankar’s visit has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger diplomatic and security cooperation between India and the UK to prevent such provocations in the future.
PUNISHMENTS FOR ATTACK ON UNION MINISTER UNDER BNS,2023
Sections 147 to 158 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, deal with various offenses against the state. These provisions outline strict penalties for acts that threaten national security, sovereignty, and constitutional authorities including Union Ministers:
- Section 147 BNS – Waging War Against the Government of India
This section penalizes individuals who wage or attempt to wage war against the Government of India. The punishment ranges from life imprisonment to the death penalty, along with fines.
- Section 148 BNS – Conspiracy Against the Government
Conspiring to commit offenses punishable under Section 147, whether within or outside India, is a serious crime. Even without execution, the act of conspiracy alone is sufficient for legal action, with penalties including life imprisonment or up to ten years in prison, along with fines.
- Section 149 BNS – Preparation to Wage War
Individuals who gather men, arms, or ammunition intending to wage war against the Government of India can face life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to ten years, along with fines.
- Section 150 BNS – Concealing Design to Wage War
If a person knowingly conceals a plan to wage war against the Government of India, they can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to ten years, along with fines.
- Section 151 BNS – Assaulting or Restraining Constitutional Authorities
This section deals with offenses against key government officials, including the President, Governors, and Union Ministers. Anyone who uses criminal force, wrongful restraint, or any form of intimidation to influence these officials’ lawful actions faces imprisonment for up to seven years, along with fines.
- Section 152 BNS – Incitement to Secession or Rebellion
This section criminalizes any act that incites secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities against national sovereignty. This includes speech, writing, signs, electronic communication, or financial means. Punishments range from life imprisonment to imprisonment for up to seven years, along with fines.
- Section 153 BNS – Waging War Against a Foreign State
Anyone attempting to wage war against a foreign state that is at peace with India faces life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to seven years, along with fines.
- Sections 154 and 155 BNS – Depredation and Receiving Stolen Property
These sections deal with offenses involving depredation on foreign territories and handling stolen property obtained through such acts. Punishments include imprisonment for up to seven years, fines, and forfeiture of property.
- Section 156 BNS – Voluntary Allowing of Escape
Public servants responsible for the custody of state prisoners or prisoners of war who voluntarily allow their escape face life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to ten years, along with fines.
- Section 157 BNS – Negligent Allowing of Escape
If a public servant negligently allows a state prisoner or prisoner of war to escape, they can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to three years, along with fines.
- Section 158 BNS – Aiding Escape or Resistance to Recapture
This section punishes individuals who help state prisoners or prisoners of war escape from lawful custody or resist their recapture. The penalties range from life imprisonment to imprisonment for up to ten years, along with fines.
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