India concerned as Khalistani goons go berserk in Melbourne again

India on Monday once again conveyed its deep concern with the pro-Khalistan elements stepping up their activities in Australia, engaging in violence and holding the so-called referendum in Melbourne and Sydney.

A day after Khalistani supporters caused mayhem on Melbourne streets, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra called on Victoria Premier Dan Andrews to discuss the issue of members of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) using the Australian territory for activities detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and national interest of India.

“It was a privilege to call on Premier of Victoria @DanielAndrewsMP today. Discussed our strong and growing bilateral relationship, the violence in Melbourne yesterday, and how to stop extremist Khalistani groups engaging in further activities prejudicial to peace and harmony,” tweeted Vohra after the meeting.

Tensions boiled over on Sunday as members of radical Sikh groups clashed with the Indian diaspora at Melbourne’s Federation Square during a so-called Khalistan referendum event.

Several people were injured in the clashes as, armed with metal poles, members of pro-Khalistani groups desecrated the Indian national flag, the videos of which have now gone viral on social media.

Sunday’s incident follows the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalisation, including of three Hindu temples, by pro-Khalistan elements in Melbourne in recent weeks.

Stating that these incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community, the Indian High Commission had earlier raised an alarm at the frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating and their use of graffiti which glorified anti-Indian terrorists.

India has already shared its concerns with the Australian government about the so-called referendum in Melbourne and Sydney announced by SFJ.

New Delhi has urged the Australian government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in Australia, hoping at the same time that not only the perpetrators are brought to justice but suitable action is also taken to prevent further attempts.

On Monday, the Indian Ambassador also paid respects at the sacred BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne, a place of spirituality and service, which was defaced with anti-India graffiti earlier this month.

Vohra said he discussed the peaceful community’s concerns over the recent attack by vandals, and the disturbing violence witnessed yesterday in Melbourne.

Later, the Indian Ambassador visited the iconic ISKCON Krishna Temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park.

“This is another holy place that was vandalized recently by pro-Khalistani elements. Their hate-filled graffiti was threatening to the peaceful Indian-Australian community in Melbourne and must be stopped,” he tweeted.

Also Read: Khalistani goons vandalise Hindu temple in Melbourne, evoke wide condemnation