BackNSA Ajit Doval to address Khalistan issue in meeting with UK counterpart Tim Barrow
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will meet with UK counterpart Tim Barrow to discuss bilateral issues and pro-Khalistan radicals. India has expressed concerns about the British government downplaying the issue and the safety of Indian diplomats in the UK.
PremiumNational Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will meet his UK counterpart Tim Barrow at Sardar Patel Bhawan in the national capital on Friday.
As reported by The Hindustan Times citing sources, Doval is likely to address various bilateral issues, including the activities of pro-Khalistan radicals.
The meeting takes place following the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, the UK-based leader of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and alleged mentor of separatist Amritpal Singh, who passed away under unclear circumstances in a Birmingham hospital on June 15th.
Although Doval has been in contact with Barrow regarding the increase in pro-Khalistan extremism in the UK and its implications for bilateral relations, India has expressed significant concerns about the British core establishment seemingly downplaying the issue. The individuals, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared this information.
The central government was highly displeased when radicals, led by Khanda, defiled the Indian Tricolour during a protest at the Indian high commission in London on March 19. In an unprecedented move, the Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) for a crime committed outside the country. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the NIA at the request of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Also Read: Khalistanis in UK: 'Direct attacks on Indian High Commission in London unacceptable,' says James Cleverly
Senior officials, who preferred anonymity, have revealed that the Delhi Police Special Cell has identified Khanda, Gursharan Singh, and Jasvir Singh as the primary individuals responsible for the London incident involving flag desecration.
Furthermore, the NIA has reportedly identified approximately twelve suspects connected to the flag-desecration incident.
While official details about the Doval-Barrow meeting remain undisclosed, it is reported that Ajit Doval will address concerns regarding Indian diplomats, specifically High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and a Consul General, being targeted by pro-Khalistan extremists. The issue will be raised in light of posters announcing a protest rally scheduled for July 8 outside the Indian high commission in London.
The rally has been sparked by the recent killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a separatist affiliated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), which was allegedly a result of a gang-related shooting incident in Canada on June 19.
Also Read: Canada: Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice threatens to 'Besiege' Indian missions on Independence Day
According to the aforementioned sources, Doval is expected to request assurances from Barrow regarding the safety of Indian diplomats in the UK. He will likely seek guarantees that Indian diplomatic premises will not be violated by extremists.
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