On Sunday, a group of pro-Khalistani protesters attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, prompting outrage among Indian Americans who urged urgent action against those responsible.
The Khalistan issue refers to a separatist Sikh movement in India that aims to create a Sikh homeland within the Punjab region. The proposed state would be made up of land that is presently divided between Punjab, India, and Punjab, Pakistan.
Protesters shouting pro-Khalistan slogans tore down makeshift security barriers erected by municipal police and placed two so-called Khalistani flags inside the Consulate grounds. These flags were quickly removed by two embassy employees.
Watch:
After London, now San Francisco – Indian consulate in San Francisco is attacked by Khalistan supporters. For Modi’s security, Rs 584 crores spent every year, but India’s diplomatic missions are left unsecured. pic.twitter.com/scJ9rKcazW
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) March 20, 2023
Soon after, a group of irate demonstrators stormed into the consulate and began pounding on the doors and windows with the rods they were holding.
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Pro-Khalistan demonstrators attacked the Consulate of India building in San Francisco, according to community leader Ajay Bhutoria. “This act of violence is not only a threat to diplomatic relations between the United States and India, but it is also an attack on our community’s peace and harmony,” he said.
Bhutoria urged local officials in a statement to take immediate action against those responsible for the attack and subject them to justice. “I also encourage all members of our community to work together to promote peace and harmony,” he said.
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“Let us work together towards a world where all communities can live in peace and mutual respect. We must not let such incidents divide us or sow the seeds of hatred and violence. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we can overcome any challenge,” he added.
“We are also appalled by the complete breakdown of law and order in both London and SFO, where a few radicalised separatists attacked India’s diplomatic missions,” said the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) following the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistani protesters.
