11 Indian Missions were on high alert due to Khalistan threat

India had requested high security for 11 missions and consulates across Australia, US, UK and Europe, as a high threat level was sounded for planned protests by Khalistani elements on Saturday. While no untoward incident took place as the countries responded with a show of strength and kept mobs at bay, India is looking for such strong security measures as a matter of norm to deal with future threats as well.

Sources said with Khalistani radicals giving a call to target Indian missions and consulates under a 'Kill India' campaign, foreign governments were contacted and strongly conveyed the need to maintain law and order and adhere to the Vienna protocol.

The Indian missions that were put on high alert following the threats included those in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, the US and the UK. Specific missions in London, Frankfurt, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington DC, Vancouver and Ottawa had also been placed on alert.


India has also asked for reciprocity when it comes to handling such situations, pointing out that protests were not allowed to take place in the diplomatic areas of New Delhi.

DOVAL's STRAIGHT TALK
Violent protests in the UK have been a particular cause for concern. But, on Saturday, protesters were kept at bay after NSA Ajit Doval asked his UK counterpart Tim Barrow to crack down on Khalistani radicals. It was conveyed that the British government has to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and mission. Doval stated that those threatening individual officers of the Indian High Commission in the UK should face strong public action, including legal prosecution and deportation.