US: Indian Consulate In San Francisco Targeted By Khalistani Extremists In Second Attack Within Five Months

The Indian consulate in the United States' San Francisco was attacked by Khalistani extremists on Sunday (2 July).

"A group of Khalistan radicals on July 2 set Indian Consulate on fire in San Francisco. The fire was suppressed quickly by the San Francisco Fire Department. No major damages or staffers were harmed. Local, state and federal authorities have been notified," news agency ANI reported.

Diya TV, a local channel, reported that Khalistanis radicals set the Indian consulate on fire between 1:30 am and 2:30 am. But it was quickly doused by the San Francisco fire department.

The US has strongly condemned the attack and said that violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence.

"The U.S. strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the U.S. is a criminal offense," said Matthew Miller, spokesperson for US State Department.

This is the second attack on the consulate by Khalistan supporters in a span of five months.

Earlier in March, a group of pro-Khalistani protesters had attacked and damaged the consulate, prompting sharp condemnation from the Indian government and India-Americans, who demanded immediate action against those responsible for it.