Honorary Consulate of India in Australia Targeted by Khalistan Supporters

The Honorary Consulate of India in Australia was targeted by Khalistani supporters who attached the Khalistan flag to the office. Police was called on site and they swept the Honorary Consulate to make sure there were no threats.

Just days after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Australia and emphasized the need for vigilance against “radical activities” targeting the Indian community, a Khalistan flag was seen attached to the Honorary Consulate of India office. It was noticed by Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane Archana Singh on February 22 who immediately notified the Queensland Police. The police then swept the office to make sure there were no threats. They confiscated the flag as well.

Earlier this year, three Hindu temples in Australia were vandalized by Khalistani supporters. There was anti-Hindu graffiti on the walls which was criticized by the Indian community in Australia. The Indian government also showed support to the community and Mr. Jaishankar, along with his deputy V Muraleedharan visited the country on February 18 to raise India’s concerns over the issue.

Following the vandalism of the Hindu temples, the Indian High Commission in Canberra put out a strongly-worded statement on January 26 which said, “Signals that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist organizations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other inimical agencies from outside Australia, have been evident for some time.”

Vineet Washington