The Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, recently encountered a protest when attempting to enter a gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland. A purported video posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK’ shows a man, purportedly a pro-Khalistani activist, obstructing Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurudwara on Albert Drive.
In the video, a man 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,” as reported by ANI.
This incident takes place amid an ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18. ‘Sikh Youth UK’ has claimed an ongoing ban on Indian officials visiting gurdwaras in their official capacities.
The video footage shows two men near the High Commissioner’s car in the parking area. One of them attempts to open the car door, which is locked from the inside. The video then captures the high commissioner’s car leaving the gurdwara premises.
Another man in the video states that this is how any Indian ambassador or government official visiting the Gurdwara will be treated. He references the situation in Canada, where the Canadian Prime Minister openly condemned India and expelled Indian diplomats, as reported by ANI.
A pro-Khalistan activist, speaking to TOI, explained that the Indian High Commissioner was supposed to hold a meeting with the gurdwara committee of the Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive. However, a few individuals confronted him and conveyed that he was not welcome, leading to his departure. The activist further stated that Indian officials are not welcome in any gurdwara in the UK, and tensions have escalated due to recent events related to individuals like Avtar Singh Khanda and Jagtar Singh Johal.
In response to the incident, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly condemned it, emphasizing that anyone from any religion or community can visit gurdwaras. He highlighted the Sikh community’s commitment to non-violence and their significant contributions globally.
Amid the ongoing India-Canada row, India’s External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, drew attention to incidents of threats, violence, and intimidation against Indian diplomats and missions in Canada. He questioned whether a similar situation in any other country would have garnered the same reaction and urged that the situation in Ottawa should not be normalized.
On a related note, the UK government spokesperson had previously stated on September 19 that Britain is in close contact with Canadian partners regarding “serious allegations” from Ottawa concerning the Indian government’s involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. The spokesperson stated that it would be inappropriate to comment further during the ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities.
The incident involving the Indian High Commissioner being blocked from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions related to the Khalistani issue. The situation has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including political leaders and diplomats, as they navigate this complex diplomatic situation.
