Pro-Khalistan activists stop Indian envoy from entering Scotland gurdwara
According to a video posted on the Instagram channel of Sikh Youth UK, a Sikh male blocked Doraiswami from stepping into the Glasgow gurdwara on Albert Drive
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was stopped by a pro-Khalistani activist from entering a gurudwara in Scotland, triggering condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to a video posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK’, a Sikh male blocked Doraiswami from stepping into the Glasgow gurdwara on Albert Drive.
The protester is heard saying: "They are hurting Sikhs in Canada and other places. Every Sikh should protest against any Indian ambassador like we did here in Glasgow.”
The video also features two men near the diplomat's car in the parking. One attempts to open the car door, which is locked from the inside. The high commissioner’s car is shown leaving the gurudwara premises.
According to one media report, Doraiswami had a meeting planned with the gurdwara committee.
BJP reacts
Reacting, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said: "I strongly condemn this. Anyone from any religion or community can come (to a gurdwara). We are not that religion that believes in violence; instead we are among those who are saviours of humanity.”
“PM (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has praised the work of our community. Sikhs are represented everywhere in the world. The safest place for the Sikhs in the world is in India,” he added.
News agency ANI reported that the issue has been raised with the UK foreign office and the police there.
The incident comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist in Canada. India has denied the allegation.
Earlier this year, a violent protest broke out outside the Indian high commission in London during which a pro-Khalistan activist clambered onto a balcony and pulled down the Indian flag from a pole.
In retaliation, security barricades and vehicles were removed from outside the British high commission and the high commissioner’s residence in New Delhi.
(With agency inputs)
