Scotland Yard prepares security plan to deal with protests ahead of Modi's visit

Awaaz, a UK-based group, has announced a 'day of protest' against the Indian premier's visit

Scotland Yard has started preparing for a ‘policing plan’ to deal with protests planned by various groups ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Britain.

“An appropriate policing plan is in place. We are in dialogue with various protest groups to facilitate their requests,” a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said, according to Hindustan Times.

Concerns regarding Modi’s security arose after a Sikh demonstration at the Indian High Commission last week led to violence and traffic jams in central London.



Most of the protests are scheduled for November 12, the first day of Modi’s visit. Awaaz, a UK-based group, which also held protests during Modi’s visit to UK in 2003, has announced a ‘day of protest’.

Britain’s Sikh community will also be at the forefront of the protests, seeing the visit as an opportunity to help “break down the wall between the Indian state and many Sikhs outside India”, according to Sikh Human Rights Group.



According to the Sikh Press Association news service, the protest was part of the Sikh Lives Matter movement, which has sought to raise awareness of alleged police brutality in India. “Whilst it was initially a peaceful protest the demonstrators blocked the roadway… and caused significant disruption to the central London road network,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

The article originally appeared on Hindustan Times