NEW DELHI: Demonstrators stormed the Chinese Embassy here today [June 16], smashing windows, burning cars and fighting with diplomats for the Chinese flag near the main gate.

The demonstrators protesting against the treatment of Indian diplomats in China stoned and beat up the diplomats before hauling down the flag and tearing it to pieces.

The Indians, mostly students, threw stones, broke through a Police cordon and smashed the iron gates of the Embassy.

Police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

While the demonstration was taking place, Chinese Charge d’Affaires Chen Chao Yuan was at the Indian External Affairs Ministry where he had been summoned.

Meanwhile, the Indian Government has told members of the Chinese Embassy here that they should not leave the Municipal limits of Delhi without prior permission, External Affairs Minister M.C. Chagla said in a statement in the Upper House today.

Orders to check all cars leaving the Chinese Embassy were also given.

AFP from Hong Kong adds: China accused India today of resorting to a despicable reprisal against Chinese diplomats in New Delhi, according to the “New China News Agency”.

Criticising Indian action against Chinese First and Third Secretary, the Agency said “the Indian Government was expressing its exasperation and rancour over the conviction and deportation of two of their Embassy staff in Peking”.

The Indian authorities have not been able to produce any evidence to support their charges against the Chinese diplomats. This only proves that their charges are pure fabrications, the Agency said.

The restrictions on the movements of members of the Chinese Embassy were a grave discrimination against the Chinese Embassy by the Indian Government and another serious step taken deliberately to worsen relations between the two countries, the Agency added.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2017