Australia issues stern warning to Khalistani goons over vandalism and violence

A day after India raised security concerns, several ministers from the ruling Anthony Albanese government in Australia came forward on Tuesday to strongly condemn the communal violence unleashed by Khalistani supporters on the streets of Melbourne over the weekend.

Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, said he was “concerned” while the country’s Assistant Foreign Minister and MP Tim Watts said he was “shocked” to see violence on Sunday breaking out at Federation Square in Melbourne.

“I was concerned to see violence break out at Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday. Australia respects the right of individuals to participate in peaceful protest and supports the non-violent expression of opinions. Delighted Victoria Police responded quickly and are investigating,” Giles tweeted today.

“I was shocked to see the violence at Fed Square in Melbourne at the weekend. People have the right to participate in peaceful protest in Australia, but there is no place for the violence or vandalism we have seen recently. Glad Victoria Police responded quickly and are investigating,” added Watts.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell, a former premier of New South Wales, also took to social media to say he was saddened by the violence so soon after both countries celebrate diversity and unity on their respective national days has.

“Sad to see 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,” the Australian High Commissioner tweeted.

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. @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @dfat @VohraManpreet @HCICanberra https://t.co/XX1OvbnJYC

— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) January 31, 2023

As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra called on Victoria Premier Dan Andrews on Monday to convey New Delhi’s deep concern over the pro-Khalistan elements who are targeting their activities. in Australia, get involved in violence and the so-called referendum in Melbourne and Sydney.

Referring to India’s strong and growing bilateral relationship with Australia, Vohra discussed with Andrews the issue of stopping extremist Khalistani groups from engaging in further activities detrimental to peace and harmony.

Canberra has already been made aware of activities/members of proscribed terrorist organizations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) who are using Australian territory for activities detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and national interest of India.

Tensions boiled over on Sunday when members of radical Sikh groups clashed with the Indian diaspora during a so-called Khalistan referendum event.

Several people were injured in the clashes while members of pro-Khalistani groups engaged in violence and also desecrated the Indian national flag, the videos of which have now gone viral on social media.

Sunday’s incident follows the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalism, including of three Hindu temples, by pro-Khalistan elements in Melbourne in recent weeks.

Stating that these incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multicultural Indian-Australian community, the Indian High Commissioner earlier raised the alarm over the frequency and impunity with which the vandals seem to operate and their use of graffiti which glorified anti-Indian terrorists.

New Delhi appealed to the Australian government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in Australia, hoping that not only the perpetrators would be brought to justice but that appropriate action would be taken also be taken to prevent further attempts.

On Monday, the Indian ambassador to Australia also paid respects at the holy BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the iconic ISKCON Krishna Temple and the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, which were defaced with anti-Indian graffiti earlier this month.

Visited the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, a place of worship that has always been revered by all communities and religions. This makes its vandalism with hate-filled graffiti by pro-Khalistani elements even more reprehensible. Confident they won’t pass pic.twitter.com/cm6Ckm2FCO

— Manpreet Vohra (@VohraManpreet) January 30, 2023

Vohra said he discussed the peaceful community’s concerns about the recent attack by vandals and the disturbing violence seen in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Indian diplomat said the hate-filled graffiti by pro-Khalistani elements threatened the peaceful Indian-Australian community in Melbourne and needed to be stopped.

“Confident they won’t pass,” Vohra tweeted.

Also Read: India Raises Serious Concern With Canada Over Hindu Temple Vandalism