Clashes in London on RDay as British Lord Calls for ‘Azad Kashmir’
The Pakistan-backed ‘black day’ campaign coincided with India’s Republic Day and took place in Central London.
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Clashes erupted outside the Indian High Commission in London on Friday, 26 January as Lord Nazir Ahmed, a pro-Pakistan peer in the House of Lords attempted to hold a "black day" protest, reported ANI. The move was vehemently countered by many Indian and British groups.
The Pakistan-backed 'black day' campaign, coincided with India's Republic Day and was aimed at highlighting the "oppression in India".
Members of the Indian diaspora in the city had mobilised a 'Chalo India House' demonstration to counter Ahmed's plans and a few dozen members on both sides tried to shout each other down outside the Indian High Commission building as Scotland Yard officers stood guard.
The Indian High Commission in London branded the protest as a "desperate attempt by a disgraced politician" who had been suspended from the Labour party in 2013 following an anti-semitism row.
Hundreds of demonstrators led by Lord Nazir called for Kashmir’s independence and pushed for Khalistan, which were met by counter-protests leading to a scuffle.
The counter-protesters questioned Lord Nazir on how he was making a mockery of the British system by openly playing Pakistan's game.
Lord Nazir is a highly controversial figure with a string of scandals to his name, including a conviction for dangerous driving and being ousted from the Labour Party for his anti-Semitic views as well as his perceived sympathy towards radical Islamists, according to ANI.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
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