Pakistan asks UK to prosecute Indian protesters

LONDON: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, has called on British authorities to prosecute Ankit Love and other violent protesters for their threatening and criminal actions.

The high commissioner expressed the hope that those arrested and charged would be dealt with by the relevant British laws. He also sought to enhance the security of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions and staff.

Addressing a press conference, Pakistan’s High Commissioner said: “Early morning on Sunday, at approximately 0518 hours, a miscreant, later identified by the British law enforcement agencies, as Ankit Love, attacked the premises of the High Commission of Pakistan, London. Ankit pelted stones and saffron colour at the outer wall of the building, smashing several window-panes and leaving a saffron-coloured stain on the nameplate of the High Commission and the main wall. “Our on-duty staff immediately informed the Metropolitan Police, which swiftly reached the crime scene and apprehended the suspect shortly afterwards.

The attack came in the wake of violent and unruly protests outside the High Commission on April 25, involving members of the Indian/British Indian community, who were chanting anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim slogans. Several protestors—some wearing saffron garments, commonly associated with Hindutva extremist groups and waving Indian flags—engaged in very hostile behaviour. They hurled racist and Islamophobic abuses at officials of the High Commission, as well as Metropolitan Police officers, leading to multiple arrests, following altercations with British law enforcement officials.”

Dr Faisal said his office was in continuous touch with the Metropolitan Police to seek full details of Ankit, as his nationality has yet to be revealed by the authorities. He added: “We expect that the British law enforcement agencies would prosecute Ankit, as well as the raucous protesters detained on Friday, under the relevant British laws. Regrettably, this is not the first incident where the High Commission of Pakistan or our consulates in the United Kingdom have been attacked.

“We have reiterated our request to the UK authorities to urgently enhance the security measures, to ensure the safety and integrity of our diplomatic missions and the protection of our diplomatic staff. We expect the host authorities to uphold their responsibilities under the Vienna Convention to ensure the safety and dignity of diplomatic missions.”