Up to Britain to decide whether to allow event promoting violence: India on London Khalistan rally

Ahead of a pro-Khalistan rally scheduled in London on August 12, India on Thursday said it is for Britain to decide whether to allow an event that seeks to promote violence and secessionism.

“We have drawn their (Britain’s) attention to the fact that the event in London is a separatist activity, which impinges on India’s territorial integrity,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

“And of course, we expect them (Britain) to take into account the larger perspective of the relationship when they take a decision on such matters”, he said.

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which claims to be a human rights advocacy group, but has radical leanings, has announced that it will hold what it calls a “London Declaration” on an independence referendum for the Indian state of Punjab at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12.

The UK had earlier turned down India’s request not to allow the rally to take place.

After receiving information about plans to hold similar events in certain other places in Europe and elsewhere, the ministry of external affairs has written to Indian missions in those countries to take up the issue with local governments.

“We are aware that something similar is planned in some other locations as well. We have written to our mission to take it up with foreign offices of respective countries,” Kumar said.

Britain’s left-wing Green Party has already thrown its support behind the pro-Khalistan rally.

(With PTI inputs)