NEW DELHI: Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian ambassador to the United States, was mobbed and heckled by a group of pro-Khalistani elements on his visit to a gurdwara in New York.
He had joined the local Sangat to celebrate Gurpurab at Guru Nanak Darbar in Long Island.A video circulating on social media purportedly shows Sandhu being confronted by pro-Khalistani elements at the gurdwara.The video captures individuals making statements about designated terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The ambassador left the premises in his vehicle, while a lone protester raised the Khalistani flag outside the gurdwara.Taking to social media, Sandhu said, "Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab-listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak's everlasting message of togetherness, unity and equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all." He, however, has not mentioned about the unpleasant experience.This incident is part of a rising trend of pro-Khalistani activities, with similar disruptions occurring in countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia and the US.
In July, Khalistan extremists conducted an arson attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, prompting India to request evidence from US authorities under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.This marks the second incident within two months involving the heckling of an Indian envoy by pro-Khalistan elements.
In September, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Vikram Doraiswami faced a similar situation when he was prevented from entering a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland.Scotland: Radical Sikh activists stop Indian high commissioner from entering gurdwara, post video on social mediaIndia has raised concerns about the security of its diplomats and premises with relevant authorities in the countries reporting these incidents.
Recent discussions on India-US security cooperation revealed shared inputs about the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others.
The ministry of external affairs emphasised that such information is taken seriously as it affects the security interests of both countries, and necessary follow-up actions are being pursued.Earlier, the Financial Times had reported that American officials successfully foiled a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist, within the United States.
The publication, relying on information from "several individuals knowledgeable about the situation," revealed that Washington had alerted New Delhi about potential involvement in the conspiracy.
However, the report did not provide details regarding whether an actual attempt had been made on Pannun's life or the extent of progress in the alleged plot.