UK Khalistani Movement: In a major diplomatic victory, India will now conduct an inquiry into the unruly behavior of Khalistanis in which they pulled down the national flag at the Indian High Commission in London last month. According to sources in the news agency ANI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of this case. Earlier, the matter was handled by the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The anti-terror agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and started its investigation. The agency took over the matter from the Delhi Police, which registered an FIR in the matter under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and is currently probing it.
Sources indicated that after a meeting with UK representatives last week, the Home Ministry decided to hand over the case to the NIA.
Indian officials will visit London
A source in the know of the matter said that it has been learned that a special team of NIA, comprising a Deputy Inspector General rank officer, is likely to visit London very soon.
A tricolor hoisted over the Indian High Commission in London was captured on 19 March by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and chanting pro-Khalistan slogans.
Amritpal Singh’s supporters are behind the attack
The national flag was pulled down during the protest by pro-Khalistani elements. Videos of the incident showed several protesters carrying yellow and black Khalistan flags and asking to “free” radical Sikh preacher and Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh.
The video shows a protester climb onto a balcony and pull down the Indian flag from a pole in front of the High Commission to cheers from other men. British policemen arrived at the scene and prevented protesters from approaching one of the entrances to the Indian High Commission.
India expresses concern over misuse of UK asylum status
The video shows protesters chanting slogans and abusing Indian officials inside. The Center amended the NIA Act in August 2019, empowering the agency to investigate terrorist activities against Indians and Indian interests abroad, besides cyber crimes and human trafficking.
At the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue held on 12 April, India expressed concern over the misuse of asylum status in the UK by pro-Khalistani elements and fueled terrorist activities and requested for better cooperation with the UK and UK-based increased monitoring. Pro-Khalistan extremists and take appropriate proactive action.
In addition, India also raised its concerns over the breach in the security of the Indian High Commission.
(with inputs from agencies)