The protests planned for Friday 8 July, between 3-5pm outside the Indian High Commission have been cancelled

Sunday 7 July 2005

We regret to inform you that the peaceful protests planned for tomorrow by Sikhs outside the Indian High Commission in London regarding the Dastaar (Sikh turban) and human rights violations in India have been cancelled.

The tragic incidents of earlier this morning in London and the latest police advice leave us with no option but to cancel the protests. We apologise for any inconvenience that this will cause. As you will be well aware police resources in London are stretched and it would have been irresponsible and insensitive to allow the protests against the Indian Government to take place at this time given the circumstances.

It is hoped you will fully understand why we have reached this decision. We have also learnt that Manmohan Singh's schedule is also being changed due to the security situation. Our offer to meet with him tomorrow to get an update on the Dastaar situation and to put across our concerns about the human rights situation in India is still on the table.

We received confirmation this morning that he has received our message and our letter of an offer to meet while he is in the UK. NDTV also carried broadcasts on Indian television earlier this morning about the reasons for the protest and our willingness to meet Manmohan Singh and to enter into a dialogue about Sikh concerns.

The Sikh Federation (UK) have organised to meet the media that had already covered the protests and were hoping to film tomorrow. However, our appeal is that Sikhs heed our advice and do not travel to London as the protest has been officially cancelled. The Metropolitan Police have welcomed our responsible approach and our full support to help them in any way we can to bring the culprits of the terrorists attacks in London to justice.