After London, vandalism in San Francisco, India protests

“The US government was reminded of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation. It was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents,” it said. “Our Embassy in Washington D.C. also conveyed our concerns to the US State Department along similar lines,” it said.

According to a PTI report, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Sunday attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Raising pro-Khalistan slogans, they broke open the makeshift security barriers and installed two “Khalistani flags” inside the Consulate premises. Two Consulate personnel soon removed the flags.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around the Indian High Commission in London after protesters, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, took down the Indian flag on Sunday. One person has been detained in this connection.

In New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India has asked the UK to quickly arrest and prosecute those involved in pulling down the Indian flag.

UK’s Foreign Office minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said he was “appalled”. “This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff. The UK government will always take the security of the Indian High Commission seriously,” he said.

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned “the violent disorder and vandalism that took place”. “There is no place in our city for this kind of behaviour,” he tweeted.

Scotland Yard said a man was arrested as its investigation continues. “Windows were broken at the High Commission building,” the Metropolitan Police statement said. “Officers attended the location. The majority of those present had dispersed prior to the arrival of police. An investigation was launched, and one male was arrested nearby a short time later on suspicion of violent disorder. Enquiries continue,” it said.

(With PTI inputs from London)