Britain to decide on pro-Khalistan rally: India

New Delhi, Aug 9
Ahead of a pro-Khalistan rally scheduled in London on August 12, India on Thursday said it is for Britain to decide whether to allow an event that seeks to promote violence and secessionism.

"We have drawn their (Britain's) attention to the fact that the event in London is a separatist activity, which impinges on India's territorial integrity," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"We have said that it seeks to propagate violence, secessionism and hatred.

"And of course, we expect them (Britain) to take into account the larger perspective of the relationship when they take a decision in such matters."

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a human rights advocacy group with radical leaning, has announced that it will hold what it calls a "London Declaration" on an independence referendum for the Indian state of Punjab at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12.

Last month, India issued a demarche to Britain.

Following reports that similar events were being planned in other European countries as well as Canada and the US, Kumar said that Indian missions had been directed to take this up with the respective countries.

"We are aware that something similar is being planned in some other locations as well and we have written to our missions to take it up with the foreign offices of the respective countries," he said.