'People have right to demonstrate,' says UK as India demands ban on Khalistan rally

The UK government has rejected India’s demand seeking a ban on a pro-Khalistan protest by a US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) at Trafalgar Square in London on August 12.

The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation based in the United States, is planning to hold a referendum to “liberate” Punjab, which, according to it, is “currently occupied by India.”

"In the UK people have the right to gather together and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law. However, we will not tolerate any groups who spread hate or deliberately raise community fears and tensions by bringing disorder and violence to our towns and cities and the police have comprehensive powers to deal with such activities," said British high commission spokesperson to WION.

The rally is dubbed as a "London Declaration" for a "Referendum 2020" campaign seeking a "sovereign state of Khalistan", with claims that it will be attended by Sikhs from the UK, Europe and America.

India has asked on many occasions the UK government to deny the SFJ permission to hold the event. The issue is emerging as an irritant in Indo-Britain ties notwithstanding the upward trajectory in commercial ties.

(With inputs from PTI)