Australia Envoy Over Attack On Indians In Melbourne

The statement comes after men from alleged “Pro-Khalistani group attacked Indians.

New Delhi:

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, today said he was “saddened” by the alleged pro-Khalistani group’s attack on Indians carrying the tricolor in their hands at Fed Square in Melbourne.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, he said Australia’s commitment to peaceful protest does not extend to violence.

The statement from Barry O’Farrell AO comes after men from an alleged pro-Khalistani group attacked Indians with the national flag in their hands on Sunday.

In the tweet, he noted that the incident was reported shortly after both nations celebrated diversity and unity on their respective national days.

“Saddened by these scenes so soon after Australia and India celebrated diversity and unity on their respective national days. Our commitment to peaceful protest does not extend to violence,” he wrote on Twitter.

Barry O’Farrell AO wrote in response to Australia’s Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts saying he was “shocked” to see the violence at Fed Square in Melbourne.

“I was shocked to see the violence at Fed Square in Melbourne over the weekend. People have the right to participate in peaceful protests in Australia, but there is no place for the violence or vandalism we have seen recently. Rejoice @ VictoriaPolice responded quickly & investigated,” Mr Watts said in a tweet.

The Australia Today reported earlier on Twitter that “five people were sent to hospital after the attack.”

“Another video of #Khalistan goons making fun of #Melbourne’s Federation Square Five injured one in hospital,” it tweeted.

The Indian group was seen running away from the scene as the Khalistani group continued to beat them. One individual was seen breaking an Indian flag and throwing it on the floor.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra visited the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne on Tuesday and condemned its “vandalism” by “pro-Khalistani elements”.

He also said that the “place of worship has always been revered by all communities and religions.”

Manpreet Vohra tweeted: “Visited the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, a place of worship that has always been revered by all communities and faiths. Its vandalism with hate-filled graffiti by pro-Khalistani elements makes it even more so reprehensible. Confident that they will not succeed.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)