Tensions have risen between India and Khalistan supporters, as a group of separatist Sikhs held a protest in front of the Indian Embassy in the United States. The protesters threatened the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and attempted to incite violence and damage the embassy property. The situation became more violent when a senior Indian journalist, covering the event, was physically assaulted and verbally intimidated by the protesters.
The protesters came prepared with two bundles of wooden sticks, similar to those used to vandalize the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and were seen inciting fellow protesters to engage in violence and damage the windows and glasses of buildings across the road. However, the timely intervention of the U.S. Secret Service and local police prevented the protesters from causing any damage.
The protesters repeatedly pointed fingers at the journalists covering the event and used abusive language against them. One of the protesters even threatened the reporter, demanding to know what he planned to report. The journalist called 911 and ran towards the other side of the road for safety.
India has expressed its strong protest over the incident to the U.S. Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, urging the American government to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. The protesters' hostile approach towards the Indian reporter, the use of violent language and the preparation of wooden sticks all indicate that they were well-prepared for the protest and had a clear intention to incite violence.
The Khalistan supporters' protest shows that tensions between India and separatist Sikhs remain high. While India and the US have strong diplomatic ties, incidents like this can strain the relationship between the two countries. The timely intervention of the law enforcement agencies prevented any violence, but the incident serves as a reminder that India needs to remain vigilant about the threat posed by Khalistan supporters.
