In the wake of mounting evidence implicating India in the tragic murder of a Canada-based Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian officials are facing global criticism and diplomatic tensions, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
In a recent incident, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was stopped by a protesting group of Sikh youth from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow while on a visit to Scotland.
A purported video going viral on social media shows a man preventing the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, from entering the gurdwara in Glasgow on Friday.
Two protestors are also seen attempting to prevent the envoy’s car. The car is then seen leaving the premises of Glasgow Gurudwara Saheb.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=559GTb3hJLA
A group of Sikh youth later claimed that Indian officials had long been barred from visiting gurdwaras.
They claimed that Indian diplomats were banned from entering the Gurdwaras after the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The recent incident comes amid the snowballing diplomatic row between India and Canada, which was triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing "Indian government agents" of involvement in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
The matter was raised with the authorities in London and demanded additional security for the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
According to the Indian High Commission office, the high commissioner went to the Gurdwara as he was invited by the Gurdwara committee but there were two gentlemen who came and stopped him from stepping out. We have taken up the matter with the U.K. authorities and asked them that they should have arranged security for our envoy on the ground.
As they hurled threats and abuses, the High Commissioner and Consul General of India decided to leave the premises to avert an altercation.
The incident has cast a pall over international relations, particularly within the Sikh community, as it escalates into a matter of great concern.
The Sikh protestors, motivated by their own concerns and grievances, took a stand against Indian officials visiting gurdwaras. This incident not only underscores the growing discord within the Sikh diaspora but also highlights the complexity of the situation.
The aftermath of this incident has been marked by increasing diplomatic strains, as the Indian government's response has been viewed critically.
Instead of addressing the concerns and engaging in dialogue, the Indian government has reportedly resorted to threatening tactics against Sikh communities.