Indian Americans rally in support of India at US Consulate
Will address concerns of Punjabi community in Canada: Minister
A large number of IndianAmericans waiving the tricolour held a peace rally in front of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to express solidarity with India following the vandalism at the facility by Khalistan supporters early this week.
A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Sunday attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the protesters broke open the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two so-called Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. Two consulate personnel soon removed these flags.
Scores of Indian Americans
drove from in and around San Francisco and waived the tri-colour to show solidarity with India on Friday.
"The attack on India's consulate by fringe elements was disturbing to not only Indian Americans but the whole world community. We wanted to show our solid support and solidarity hand in hand with India " Satish Vale, a technology professional and community worker, said.
Indian-American community members condemned the destructive activities of separatist Sikhs, who were also present there in small numbers.
Local police were present there in sizable numbers to prevent any untoward incident.
Pro-Khalistan groups protest in London
LONDON: A small group of protesters carrying pro-Khalistan flags and banners in support of Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh gathered at Parliament Square here on Saturday, as part of similar protests in Canada and the US. Banners for the so-called "Protest against the discriminatory actions by Indian police forces against Bhai Amritpal Singh and other innocent Sikhs" had been circulating on social media, along with similar protests called in the cities of Toronto, Vancouver, Indianapolis and Fresno.
Responding to the concerns of a Sikh MP over internet suspension in Punjab, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said her country is closely following the developments in the state, and will continue to address the concerns of the community.
Authorities in Punjab have started to ease internet suspension in Punjab imposed as part of a manhunt for Waris Punjab De chief and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, who continues to evade arrest.
"My colleagues and I have heard from constituents regarding the ongoing mass suspension of internet services in Punjab, India. Canadians have families and friends who are visiting Punjab, who do not have access to the internet," MP from Malton-Mississauga, Iqwinder Gaheer, rose in the House to ask Joly.
In response, Joly said: "We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab and we are following it very closely... We look forward to a return to a more stable situation and you can always count on the government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community."