Asia Press Agency

Tag: Diplomatic Incidents

  • High Commissioner Stopped from Entering Glasgow Gurdwara

    High Commissioner Stopped from Entering Glasgow Gurdwara

    The Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, recently encountered a protest when attempting to enter a gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland. A purported video posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK’ shows a man, purportedly a pro-Khalistani activist, obstructing Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurudwara on Albert Drive.

     

    In the video, a man is heard saying, “…They are hurting Sikhs in Canada and other places, every Sikh should protest against any Indian Ambassador like we did here in Glasgow,” as reported by ANI.

     

    This incident takes place amid an ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18. ‘Sikh Youth UK’ has claimed an ongoing ban on Indian officials visiting gurdwaras in their official capacities.

     

    The video footage shows two men near the High Commissioner’s car in the parking area. One of them attempts to open the car door, which is locked from the inside. The video then captures the high commissioner’s car leaving the gurdwara premises.

     

    Another man in the video states that this is how any Indian ambassador or government official visiting the Gurdwara will be treated. He references the situation in Canada, where the Canadian Prime Minister openly condemned India and expelled Indian diplomats, as reported by ANI.

     

    A pro-Khalistan activist, speaking to TOI, explained that the Indian High Commissioner was supposed to hold a meeting with the gurdwara committee of the Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive. However, a few individuals confronted him and conveyed that he was not welcome, leading to his departure. The activist further stated that Indian officials are not welcome in any gurdwara in the UK, and tensions have escalated due to recent events related to individuals like Avtar Singh Khanda and Jagtar Singh Johal.

     

    In response to the incident, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly condemned it, emphasizing that anyone from any religion or community can visit gurdwaras. He highlighted the Sikh community’s commitment to non-violence and their significant contributions globally.

     

    Amid the ongoing India-Canada row, India’s External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, drew attention to incidents of threats, violence, and intimidation against Indian diplomats and missions in Canada. He questioned whether a similar situation in any other country would have garnered the same reaction and urged that the situation in Ottawa should not be normalized.

     

    On a related note, the UK government spokesperson had previously stated on September 19 that Britain is in close contact with Canadian partners regarding “serious allegations” from Ottawa concerning the Indian government’s involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. The spokesperson stated that it would be inappropriate to comment further during the ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities.

     

    The incident involving the Indian High Commissioner being blocked from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions related to the Khalistani issue. The situation has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including political leaders and diplomats, as they navigate this complex diplomatic situation.

  • Indian Embassy Sees Protests by Khalistan Supporters

    Indian Embassy Sees Protests by Khalistan Supporters

    Due to protests organized by Khalistan supporters, the security presence outside the Indian Embassy has been significantly strengthened. A substantial contingent of police personnel was deployed outside the embassy premises, as captured in a video posted by the news agency ANI.

     

     

    This increased security response followed plans by Pro-Khalistan groups to hold protests outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC in conjunction with the scheduled Independence Day celebrations. Despite a small group gathering at the embassy, they were outnumbered by a substantial assembly of security personnel, including members of the US Park Police, US Secret Service, and Washington DC Police.

     

    In an effort to commemorate Independence Day, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, raised the national flag at India House, his official residence. The event was attended by a large number of Indian Americans, symbolizing their deep-rooted connection with their homeland.

     

    However, this occurrence is not the first instance of Khalistan supporters targeting Indian missions. Similar incidents have been reported in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. In a notable incident in July, a group of pro-Khalistan supporters reportedly attempted to set fire to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. While the attack caused no major damage or injuries, authorities swiftly responded to suppress the fire and initiate investigations. An official termed the incident a “terror act” and confirmed the continued investigation by local San Francisco police, diplomatic security personnel, and state and federal authorities.

     

    Vandalism by Khalistani supporters has also been reported earlier this year in March when extremist elements breached makeshift security barriers erected by the SF city police and installed Khalistani flags within the premises of the Indian Consulate.

     

    Despite these challenges, Indian diplomatic missions and officials continue to uphold their duties and national events, underscoring their commitment to their responsibilities even in the face of disruptive incidents.