While touring Scotland, Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, encountered obstruction from pro-Khalistan extremists when he tried to enter a gurdwara in Glasgow.
Faced with threats and verbal abuse, both the High Commissioner (HC) and the Consul General of India (CG) made the decision to leave the premises in order to prevent any further confrontation.
In the aftermath of this incident, the Indian High Commission issued a statement on X, indicating that three individuals from outside Scotland intentionally disrupted the visit. One of them even attempted to forcibly open the diplomatic vehicle as senior diplomats were arriving at the Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib on Albert Drive.
The statement further stated that the "disgraceful incident" has been reported to both the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police..
MP Priti Patel, responded to the High Commission’s statement on X, writing, “Respecting the rights of all communities is the mark of a free and open society, even more so in our places of worship. This incident involving our friend the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami is unacceptable.”
The Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha said, “Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt the visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises.”
It added: “The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith.”
Despite the Glasgow Gurdwara’s strong condemnation of the disruption a British Sikh family in London is now living in fear for their safety. Harman Singh Kapoor, the owner of Rangrez, a Punjabi restaurant, has been a vocal critic of extremism and has previously experienced an attack on his place of business. This week, extremists targeted his residence, first by splashing red paint on his parked cars and then returning to fire a shot at one of the vehicles.
Speaking to Asian Voice, former High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Ruchi Ghanashyam said, “One can only strongly condemn such unfortunate behaviour. Such aggressive behaviour reflects poorly on the people who claim to follow the teachings of the most peaceful and loving Guru Nanak Devji.”
She added that- “It is important to remember that the Sikh community in the UK is widely respected as a peace loving and hardworking community. The community performed a stellar role in the service of humanity during the COVID 19 pandemic. The misdeeds of a few should not be allowed to sully the good name of the entire community.”
A British government minister also expressed concern over the disruption. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a junior foreign office minister took to social media to express that “The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all,”.
As the whole Khalistan row catapults, Khalistan supporters, on Monday, assembled outside the Indian High Commission in London for a protest. British security forces were notably present in large numbers at the High Commission, and the demonstrators were confined to the area opposite the High Commission.
They asserted that their protest was in response to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
