Sikh Separatists Disrupt Operations At Indian Consulate In Brisbane

The Indian honorary consulate in Brisbane briefly shut down after supporters of the separatist Khalistan movement prevented entry.

The pro-Khalistan group, believed to be from the banned 'Sikhs for Justice', had placed a flag outside the same building on 21 February which was subsequently removed by police.

Pro-Khalistan supporters have vandalized temples in Melbourne with offensive graffiti in recent weeks, leading to this incident.

After an incident, there was a meeting between the police, community leaders, and Indian-Australian representatives, reassuring them of law and order commitment.

Reports claimed that protesters used a Brisbane Sikh shrine bus, to stir up unrest. This resulted in a heavy police presence in the vicinity.

The honorary consulate was blocked recently following the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's assurance to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that anti-India elements will be curbed and no extreme actions or religious building attacks will be tolerated.

Prime Minister Modi expressed regret over the regular reports of temple attacks from Australia during his talk with Albanese last Friday (10 March).

Last Friday (10 March), foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra quoted Prime Minister Albanese assuring Prime Minister Modi of his government's understanding of India's concern and commitment to taking necessary measures for peace in their society.

Sarah Gates from Hindu Human Rights claimed that slogans were used to target Hindus as supremacists along with Khalistan Zindabad slogans. The Indian diaspora is Australia's second-largest immigrant community.