UK: Sikh activists gathering outside the High Commission of India in London March 22

Event

Sikh activists supporting the Khalistan separatist movement plan to demonstrate outside the High Commission of India March 22. The action relates to alleged discriminatory policing by police in India's Punjab State amid an ongoing manhunt for leaders of the Khalistan movement. Activists will gather from 13:00; opposing activists demonstrating support for the Indian government may stage counterdemonstrations.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the demonstrations; increased security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized business and transport disruptions. Access to the commission will likely be disrupted for the duration of the action. Isolated clashes between rival activists or with security services are possible. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of harm.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Reconfirm appointments at the High Commission of India March 22. Heed all instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area.