New Delhi: Pro-Khalistan supporters faced a counter-protest by Indian community members in front of the Indian Consulate in Canada's Toronto on July 8. Similar protests that were held in London and Melbourne were comparatively subdued and passed off without any incident. Adequate arrangements were in place to ensure security at the embassies.
Several Khalistani protesters gathered on the street outside the Indian consulate staging a protest rally carrying flags and raising slogans. The pro-Indian group stood on the opposite side with the National flag giving a clear message to the protesters.
This comes after posters surfaced on social media announcing a pro-Khalistan demonstration on July 8 to protest against the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a terrorist who led the Khalistan Tiger Force and Sikhs For Justice on June 18 in British Columbia.
Also, Khalistani supporters put posters outside the Bharat Mata temple in Canada's Brampton threatening Indian diplomats along with their pictures. The Indian community members in Canada have condemned the posters.
Earlier in the day, a similar protest rally for the "Khalistan cause" that was held outside the Indian High Commission in London passed off peacefully. Around 30 to 40 protesters had gathered there at around 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm GMT and the demonstration was held for a short time.
Banners were seen depicting Indian and Canadian diplomats responsible for Nijjar's death. These posters were already being circulated on social media. According to reports, posters that were going viral also expressed support for Pakistan and Kashmir.
In a protest rally on St Kilda Road in Melbourne, posters displaying AK-47 rifle with "Kill India" were put up outside the Indian Embassy.
The Indian government has already asked its British counterpart to take strong action against the Khalistani elements such as deportation or legal prosecution. It is a concern for India as its diplomats are being made targets. The issue was taken up at a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his British counterpart Tim Barrow in Delhi. Both India and UK have agreed to address extremism and enhance cooperation.
