In a recent development that underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the Khalistani menace and its relation to international politics, a group of radical British Khalistanis disrupted the visit of the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, at a gurdwara in Scotland.
The incident, which occurred at the Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive, has ignited discussions surrounding the complex threats of the pro-Khalistan movement, and the relationship dynamics between Sikh communities and Indian officials in the UK.
According to a report, the disruption took place when it was discovered by Khalistan supporter groups that Doraiswami had a planned meeting with the gurdwara committee at the Glasgow Gurdwara.
Khalistani goons, many of whom advocate for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan, confronted the Indian High Commissioner, making it clear that he was not welcome at the gurdwara. This confrontation led to a standoff and ultimately resulted in Doraiswami leaving the premises.
A spokesperson for the pro-Khalistan group told the Times of India, “Indian officials are not welcome in any gurdwara in the UK.”
They cited their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as collusion between the UK and India, highlighting recent tensions stemming from the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the cases of Avtar Singh Khanda and Jagtar Singh Johal.
The Sikh Youth UK organisation posted a video of the incident on social media, capturing the confrontation and the subsequent events. In the video, tables set up for langar (community kitchen) at the gurdwara can be seen, highlighting the initial intention to host the Indian High Commissioner.
However, the situation quickly escalated as activists engaged in a heated argument with a gurdwara committee member.
One of the Khalistan supporter involved in the protest explained their actions, saying, “This is exactly how we should greet anyone from the Indian government who comes to the gurdwara in an official capacity under any excuse of doing visa applications, or whatever it might be.”
They pointed to international developments, such as Canada’s condemnation of India and the expulsion of Indian diplomats, as evidence of their stance.
The incident has generated significant debate within the Sikh community and beyond, with a lot of people have raised concerns about the disruption of a religious gathering and the potential impact on community harmony.
As discussions continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding Khalistan propaganda, its historical context, and the broader geopolitical issues that often intersect with the Sikh diaspora’s concerns.
It remains to be seen how these tensions will evolve and whether dialogue and reconciliation efforts can bridge the divides within the community.
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