Washington - In anticipation of demonstrations by pro-Khalistan factions coinciding with India's Independence Day, heightened security measures have been put in place outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, USA. According to reports, pro-Khalistan groups are reportedly planning to stage a protest near the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, where the commemoration of India's 77th Independence Day took place.

During Tuesday morning, a small assembly of separatist Sikhs gathered outside the Indian Embassy. However, their numbers were outnumbered by a significant presence of security personnel, including officers from the Washington DC Police, US Park Police, and US Secret Service. Simultaneously, Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu raised the national flag at India House, his official residence, with a considerable turnout of Indian Americans in attendance.

Pro-Khalistani Demonstrators Target Indian Consulate

In a prior incident on March 19, a group of pro-Khalistani protesters targeted and caused damage to the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, sparking strong condemnation from Indian Americans who urged swift action against those responsible. It is worth noting that a contingent of pro-Khalistan demonstrators sought to incite violence and even issued threats to the Indian embassy's representative in the same month, yet rapid intervention by law enforcement prevented any harm to the premises.

Khalistani Activists Repeatedly Target Indian Consulate

On July 2, Khalistani activists once again made an attempt to set fire to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. India has underlined that advocating violence or legitimizing terrorism should not be afforded space under the guise of freedom of expression.

Ensuring Diplomatic Safety Remains Paramount

Emphasizing the utmost importance of diplomats' safety and the security of Indian missions, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, stated in July that New Delhi has raised the issue with the concerned countries. In the same month, a multitude of Indian Americans gathered for a peace rally outside the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to express solidarity with India following a recent incident of attempted arson at the diplomatic facility by Khalistan supporters. Meanwhile, India has urged partner nations like Canada, the UK, and the US not to entertain the 'extremist Khalistani ideology,' as it could have adverse implications for bilateral relations.