Pro-farmers protest in London becomes stage for anti-India agenda; Khalistani terrorist takes part

London, 7-12-2020

A huge protest was on Sunday evening held outside the Indian High Commission in central London, in support of the farmers who have been agitating back in India to demand the repealing of newly-enacted farm laws. However, the protests became a stage for anti-India agenda with COVID-19 norms also being flouted during the demonstration. The Indian High Commission said the protests were led-by anti-India separatists, who also raised anti-India and pro-farmers slogans during the demonstration. While the London Police ensured protection to the Indian High Commission, Times Now has learned that Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Pamma was also present during the protests. Pamma is wanted in connection with the 2010 blasts in Punjab�s Patiala and Ambala and also for the killing of an RSS man in 2009. He is also suspected to be associated with banned groups like Sikhs for Justice (SJF), which are believed to be funded by Pakistani intelligence agency, the ISI. Pamma was arrested in Portugal in 2018 under a Red Corner Notice issued by the Interpol. However, India' request for Pamma�s extradition from Portugal was turned down and he was subsequently released. At the protests, the alleged Khalistani terrorist was seen wearing a blue jacket. Further, during the protests in central London, Khalistani flags were also raised outside the Indian High Commission. The Sikh Federation UK, a group which claims to represent Sikhs in the UK but is suspected to be a voice for Khalistan supporters in the country, called the protest as a "siege" of the Indian High Commission. �It soon became clear that gathering was led by anti-India separatists who had taken the opportunity of the farm protests in India to ostensibly back farmers in India but also use the opportunity to pursue their own anti-India agenda,� Vishwesh Negi, Minister (Political, Press & Information) at the Indian High Commission in London, said. The High Commission official made it clear that the ongoing farm protests in India are an internal issue of the country and part of the democratic process. �Protest against agriculture reform bills in India is part of a democratic process. The Government of India is in talks with protesters which are still ongoing. Needless to say, it's an internal issue of India,� Negi said. �Protesters gathered in large numbers in front of High Commission flouting social distancing norms during a pandemic. Permission was sought from Metropolitan Police London for a drive past protest involving about 40 vehicles. Developing situation was brought to the attention of UK Foreign Office and Home Office. London Metropolitan Police managed, controlled and eventually disposed of the crowd. We could see that a few violent (persons) were arrested,� he added. It was reported that the police arrested 13 people during the protests for violating Covid-19 regulations. While four persons were subsequently released, nine continue to remain in custody. Sources said while the permission was given for only 30 persons and 40 vehicles to participate in the "drive past" protest, the organizers misled the authorities, including the Metropolitan Police in London, and thousands took part.