The pro-India group held placards (including some with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi), sang patriotic songs and danced to the accompaniment of loud dhols, as the rival group tried to drown out the chorus with slogans in support of Khalistan and against the Indian government. This Khalistani propaganda was permitted by Pro-Pakistan London mayor Sadik Khan despite objection from India.
The pro-India group held placards (including some with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi), sang patriotic songs and danced to the accompaniment of loud dhols, as the rival group tried to drown out the chorus with slogans in support of Khalistan and against the Indian government.
The pro-India group included members of the Overseas Friends of BJP, whose president Kuldeep Shekhawat claimed that allowing the event betrayed Britain’s “hidden agenda” to support Khalistan and Pakistan.
“Relations between India and Britain are strained at the moment. Giving permission for this event will not help. Britain is clearly encouraging separatist activity. We came here to give out the message that we stand for a united India,” Shekhawat said.
Hindustan Times, London
Speakers at the event included Pakistan-origin Nazir Ahmed, member of the House of Lords, who declared his support for Khalistan “for my Sikh brothers and sisters”, and announced a demonstration outside the Indian high commission on August 15.
Pro-Khalistan supporters included women and children carrying placards against the Indian government, as speakers recalled Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh riots in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, as well as the lack of justice for the victims.