New Delhi: Barricades outside the UK High Commission in Delhi were removed by the police today, days after a pro-Khalistan protest at Indian High Commission in London, during which the Indian flag was pulled down. Delhi Police officials, however, said the security outside the UK High Commission remains intact.
"The security arrangements outside the British High Commission here are intact. However, barricades placed on the pathway towards the Commission that created hurdles for commutation have been removed," a senior police officer told news agency Press Trust of India.
The British High Commission refused to comment on the matter. "We do not comment on security matters," a spokesperson told NDTV.
Khalistan supporters had pulled down the Indian flag outside the building in London to protest against the crackdown on Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh. Visuals of a man pulling down the national flag had infuriated the nation and triggered strong reactions on social media.
The Indian government has lodged a strong protest and called on the British authorities to ensure adequate security at the Indian High Commission. On Sunday, the British deputy high commissioner had been summoned by India. The foreign ministry said it sought an explanation on the complete "absence of security" at the Indian mission in London.
Top British officials said that the UK government will take the security of the Indian High Commission "seriously", and condemned the vandalism at the Indian mission as "disgraceful" and "completely unacceptable".
On Saturday, the Punjab police had launched a massive operation to arrest Amritpal Singh and arrested more than 100 supporters and members of his 'Waris Punjab De' group.
The separatist leader has been active in Punjab for the last few years and is often seen escorted by armed supporters. He claims to be a follower of the Khalistani separatist and terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and is known as "Bhindranwale 2.0" among his supporters.