India’s High Commission in London expressed deep sadness and strong condemnation Monday over the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square. Officials called the act shameful, labeling it not just destruction but a direct assault on the principles of nonviolence—especially coming just three days before the International Day of Nonviolence on October 2.
In a post on X, the High Commission highlighted how the damage attacks Gandhi’s enduring legacy as a champion of peace. “This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence,” they wrote. The team has already raised the issue urgently with local authorities and sent staff to the site to work on restoring the statue to its original state.
This incident echoes earlier tensions during Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the UK in March. Pro-Khalistani protesters gathered outside Chatham House, a key think tank, waving flags and chanting slogans as Jaishankar met with top UK leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
India quickly condemned the protests, pointing to a security breach captured on video. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson slammed the actions of the “small group of separatists and extremists” for misusing democratic freedoms. “We expect the host government to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” the spokesperson added, urging stronger measures against such provocations.
The vandalism and past protests underscore ongoing concerns about attacks on Indian cultural symbols in the UK, drawing attention to Mahatma Gandhi’s global influence and the push for nonviolence in today’s world.
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