Mahatma Gandhi Statue Vandalised in London, Indian High Commission Strongly 'Condemns' Violent Act

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square, London, was vandalised days before the International Day of Nonviolence. The Indian High Commission strongly condemned the act and urged swift action from UK authorities.

London: The High Commission of India in London on Monday stated that it is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the "shameful act of vandalism" of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London and said it has "taken this up" strongly with local authorities.

 <br>"@HCI_London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London. This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma," it said in a post on X.</p><p>"@HCI_London has taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity," the post added.</p><p>Earlier this year, in March, Pro-Khalistani protestors staged a demonstration during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to the United Kingdom near the Chatham House.</p><div type="dfp" position=3>Ad3</div><p>The protesters had gathered outside the building, holding flags and speakers as they chanted slogans.</p><p>During his visit to the United Kingdom, EAM Jaishankar held discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and several other senior leaders.</p><p>Following the protests, India strongly condemned the incident after it saw footage of a breach of security during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to the UK and strongly condemned the "provocative activities" of these separatists and extremists.</p><div type="dfp" position=4>Ad4</div><p>In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that India deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and expects the host government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations in such cases.</p><p>"We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live upto their diplomatic obligations," an MEA spokesperson said.</p><p><i>(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed)</i></p>