Amid tensions between India and Canada, the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) Vikram Doraiswami was on Friday, 29 September, prevented from entering a gurudwara in Scotland's Glasgow by pro-Khalistan extremists.
The incident: A purported video of the incident, which has been going viral on social media, shows two men standing next to the High Commissioner's car while one of them is seen trying to open the vehicle's door, which is locked from the inside.
When he refused to allow Doraiswami inside, his car is seen leaving the premises of the gurudwara, located on Albert Drive.
"They are hurting Sikhs in Canada and other places. Every Sikh should protest against any Indian Ambassador like we did here in Glasgow,” one of the protesting pro-Khalistan activists can be heard saying in the video.
How has India reacted? Taking cognisance of the incident, the High Commission of India in London urged authorities to take strict action against the culprits.
"On September 29, 2023, three persons – all from areas outside Scotland –deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organized by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," they said.
"One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC's car door - a matter that will require suitable police consideration. It is due to the quick reaction of one of the organizers, who physically intervened at the car door, that a bigger incident was avoided. Multiple community organizations including the organizers have formally regretted the incident and have urged the authorities to take action against the culprits."Statement by the High Commission of India in London
India-Canada tensions: This incident comes at a time when tensions between India and Canada are high, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
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