World News
Get all the latest news from India's closest neighbors overseas before it gets cold.

India Envoy to UK Hits Out at ‘Misinformation’ on Punjab When Speaking to Diaspora

© AFP 2023 SHAMMI MEHRAIndia's Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel patrol along a street during a hunt for Sikh separatist, in Jalandhar on March 20, 2023.
India's Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel patrol along a street during a hunt for Sikh separatist, in Jalandhar on March 20, 2023. - Sputnik India, 1920, 22.03.2023
Subscribe
The Internet and communication services have been already restored across the Punjab state except in four districts: Sangrur, Ferozepur, Moga and Tarn Taran. However, mobile voice calls and access to essential services such as banking, hospitals, among others, are still available.
High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, has appealed to the Indian diaspora to avoid “misinformation” and “sensationalist lies” on the security situation in Punjab.

“Let me assure all the friends in the UK, especially brothers and sisters with relatives in Punjab, that there is no truth to sensationalist lies being circulated on social media,” Doraiswami said in a video message, adding that the “situation in your ancestral homeland is not what it being reported to be”.

“Do not believe a small handful of people putting out fiction and disinformation,” urged the Indian diplomat.
Activists of Sikh organisations hold swords as they shout pro-Khalistan and anti-government slogans after offering prayers on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on June 6, 2021. - Sputnik India, 1920, 21.03.2023
Long Reads
Why West Offers ‘Safe Havens' to Radical Pro-Khalistan Sikhs

Crackdown on Sikh Radicals in India

Doraiswami stressed that all the people arrested in the police crackdown that began over weekend have criminal antecedents.
Four criminal cases on charges such as spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack on police personnel have been filed against radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, the ‘Waris Punjab De’ ("Son of Punjab") chieftain.
Doraiswami underlined that Punjab has recently hosted two G20-related events in the last week, one on education and another on labour, noting that delegates from 30 countries attended these events, which showed that the situation in Punjab was safe for travel.

Another Pro-Khalistan Protest at the High Commission

Doraiswami’s statement came ahead of another protest by pro-Khalistan groups at the Indian High Commission in London.
In the wake of the unrest, some separatist groups based in the UK and other Western countries have accused New Delhi of “discrimination” against the populace in Punjab, which is home to over 25 million Sikhs.
Earlier, pro-Khalistan groups, which demand a separate Sikh homeland, held protests against New Delhi at the Indian High Commission in London, as well as at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.
New Delhi summoned the senior most British diplomat in India late Sunday evening after some protestors vandalized the mission’s premises and tried to pull down the Indian flag.
The Indian Foreign Ministry also told the US charge’s affaires (CdA) in New Delhi that Washington should ensure the security of diplomatic premises, based on commitments under the Vienna Convention.
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала