In a concerning incident, the Indian consulate in San Francisco was targeted by pro-Khalistan supporters who attempted to set it on fire, leading to swift condemnation from the United States. The US government strongly denounced the reported vandalism and arson, emphasizing that such actions against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats within the country are criminal offenses.
According to local channel Diya TV, the incident occurred between 1:30 am and 2:30 am on Sunday (local time) when Khalistani radicals attempted to set the Indian consulate ablaze. Fortunately, the San Francisco Fire Department responded promptly, managing to extinguish the flames quickly. While the damage to the consulate was limited, no staff members were injured during the incident. A video purportedly released by the Khalistan supporters in connection with the incident has been circulating, but its authenticity could not be independently verified.
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, expressed the country’s strong condemnation of the act via Twitter. Miller emphasized that vandalism or violence targeting diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offense. The incident comes several months after a similar attack in March, where pro-Khalistani protesters caused damage to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. Both incidents drew sharp condemnation from the Indian government and the Indian-American community, demanding swift action against those responsible.
Earlier on the same day, pro-Khalistan supporters had pulled down the Indian tricolor flag from atop the Indian High Commission in London, further heightening concerns over the activities of such extremist groups.
India has also sought urgent action from Canada against so-called Khalistan extremists. The request comes as these individuals plan to organize protest marches to Indian embassies in Toronto and Vancouver. The demonstrators have deliberately tried to blame Indian diplomats and security agencies for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Nijjar, who had connections with the proscribed organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was killed in an inter-gang warfare incident in Surrey town, Vancouver, on June 19. The Indian government has highlighted the need for Canada to address these extremist elements promptly.
As investigations into the attempted arson in San Francisco continue, authorities are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack on the Indian consulate. Heightened security measures are likely to be implemented to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in the region.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremist elements and the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and preserve diplomatic integrity.
Sources By Agencies
