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A group of protesters on Sunday, 19 March were seen grabbing and taking down the Indian national flag atop the building of the Indian High Commission in London. 

The mob, which was carrying separatists Khalistan flags and chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, also vandalised the building by breaking the windows in an attack after reports of the Indian government hunting for a pro Khalistan radical in Punjab emerged. 

According to reports, a man has been arrested in connection with the incident which was slammed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to the scene at around 1.50 pm on Sunday where two security guards were said to have sustained wounds.

In a video circulated on social media, a protester can be seen climbing to the first floor of the building in Westminster and pulling the flag down, while several others were waving yellow Khalistan flags and cheering him on. The protesters are believed to be part of a pro Khalistan organisation who have been demanding a separate Sikh state.

According to Evening Standard, India summoned the British deputy high commissioner on Sunday evening and asked for an explanation on the “complete absence of security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises”.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said, “Officers attended the location. The majority of those present had dispersed prior to the arrival of police. An investigation was launched, and one male was arrested nearby a short time later, on suspicion of violent disorder. Inquiries continue”.