News Brief
Battleground Australia: Peaceful Indian Rally Attacked By 'Khalistan' Activists In Melbourne; Indian High Commission Takes Up Issue With Australian Authorities
- The conflict broke out half an hour before the conclusion of a “Khalistan referendum” organised by 'Sikhs For Justice' foundation held in Melbourne on Saturday (28 January).
Pro Khalistan activists (representative image) (ANI)
Social media platforms were stormed by videos on Saturday (28 January), when videos of Khalistan supporters assaulting Indians carrying the national flag in Melbourne, Australia surfaced on Twitter.
The conflict broke out half an hour before the conclusion of a “Khalistan referendum” organised by 'Sikhs For Justice' foundation held in Melbourne on Saturday (28 January).
Sarah L Gates, Director of the Hindu Human Rights Australasia, shared the video of a group of Khalistan supporters chasing people carrying out a peaceful rally carrying the Indian flag.
Youths carrying the Indian flag were seen fleeing the scene after they were suddenly attacked by men carrying sticks and swords and shouting pro-Khalistan slogans.
One individual was also seen breaking the Indian flag and throwing it on the ground. The individual carrying a sword along with one other were reportedly arrested by the police.
The Australia Today has earlier reported that Indians had notified the Victoria Police that they had planned a protest at the Federation Square in Melbourne against the pro-Khalistan activities in the country.
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa took to Twitter to condemn anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani groups in Australia. The attack has come days after a series of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia.
Today (30 January), the Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra met the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to find ways to “stop extremist Khalistan groups engaging in further activities prejudicial to peace and harmony”.
'Sikhs For Justice' is a US-based separatist group founded by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, which demands secession of Punjab and adjoining areas from India as Khalistan. The organisation has previously held failed referendums in Canada.
According to a report by the Indian Express, a Canadian think-tank brought out a report accusing Pakistan of fuelling the Khalistan movement in Canada. The report mentioned Sikhs For Justice among other groups.
In 2020, the government also declared Pannu a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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