London Mayor Sadiq Khan Asks Organisers To Cancel Protest Match Over Kashmir

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Expressing fears that it may deepen divisions in the UK capital,  London mayor Sadiq Khan has condemned plans to hold an anti-India march in the city on the Kashmir issue on Diwali . He  has reportedly called on the organisers and prospective participants to cancel the protest rally.

According to Met Police details on the permissions sought for the proposed march, an estimated 5,000-10,000 protesters plan to commence their march from Richmond Terrace near Downing Street and converge outside the Indian High Commission in London.

In response to a letter by Indian-origin London Assembly member Navin Shah, Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “I absolutely condemn the plans for a protest march to take place on the auspicious day of Diwali, in the vicinity of the Indian High Commission in London.”

“This march will only deepen divisions at a time when Londoners need to come together. That is why I am calling on those organising the march and all those considering taking part in it to think again and cancel their plans,” said the Pakistan-origin London Mayor in the letter dated 18 October. He said that his City Hall office would be working with Scotland Yard to ensure a “robust” policing plan was in place for such a march.