India describes attack on its High Commission in London as 'unacceptable'

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "We are deeply concerned by the reports of unruly demonstration by Pakistan incited elements and consequent organised vandalism of the property of the High Commission of India in London. This is the second time in less than a month that such an incident has taken place affecting the security and the normal functioning of our Mission."

"We consider these incidents to be unacceptable and have strongly urged the Government of UK to take action against those involved, and take necessary steps to ensure the normal functioning of our Mission and the safety and security of our personnel," read the statement.

Images shared by the Indian High Commission on its Twitter handle showed window panes of the building were vandalised by the protesters.

The Indian High Commission in London tweeted: "Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises."

London Mayor condemns the attack

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the incident and urged police to take action.

He tweeted, "I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with @metpoliceuk to take action."

Not the first attack

This is the second such incident where the High Commission has been attacked.

Earlier during India's Independence Day celebrations on August 15 this year, stones and eggs were thrown targeting the High Commission's building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month speaking to new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drew attention to the violent Pakistani and Khalistani mob attack at the Indian High Commission on the Independence Day in the wake of the Kashmir move by India.

India's External Affairs Ministry in a press statement said PM Modi raised the issue of "the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means."

"In this context, he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India. Prime Minister Johnson regretted the incident and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors," the MEA said.

The protests started after the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in India scrapped Articles 370 and 35A to do away with Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

Though several Islamic nations acknowledged it as an internal matter of India, Pakistan, which has been sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir, criticised and took the whole case in the international arena. But so far it has failed to garner any support.