The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was stopped from entering a gurdwara in Scotland by Khalistani extremists, which has raised concerns amid a recent row over Canada accusing India of involvement in the killing of a terrorist named Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a video that has gone viral on social media, a pro-Khalistan activist can be seen blocking the High Commissioner’s car from entering the Glasgow Gurdwara. The video shows two men near the car, with one of them attempting to open the locked car door from the inside. The incident occurred despite the fact that the Indian High Commissioner had been invited by the gurdwara managing committee. In a longer version of the video, the Khalistani extremists are seen threatening the gurdwara staff as well.
The Indian government has not yet issued an official response to the incident. However, sources have indicated that a police complaint has been filed related to the security of the High Commissioner.
The recent tensions between India and Canada were sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that “Indian government agents” were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd” and unfounded, demanding evidence to support the claim.
The situation has escalated further since the G20 summit in Delhi when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Trudeau for rising secessionist activities in Canada. In 2018, India reportedly handed Trudeau a list of nine Khalistani operatives believed to be operating in Canada, leading to increased scrutiny of the issue by the Indian government.
This incident at the gurdwara in Scotland adds to the ongoing tensions between India and elements in Canada related to allegations of support for Khalistani separatism and extremism. The situation continues to evolve, and diplomatic efforts are expected to address the issues raised by both sides.
