The Glasgow Gurdwara has strongly condemned an incident involving the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, who was prevented from attending a planned interaction at the religious site on Saturday. The Gurdwara labeled the episode as “disorderly behavior” carried out by unidentified individuals from outside the Glasgow area. In addition, it reaffirmed its commitment to being open to people from all communities and backgrounds.
Incident Details
According to a statement by the Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha, the incident occurred on September 29, 2023, during the Indian High Commissioner’s personal visit, which was facilitated by a Scottish Member of Parliament, reported news agency ANI. The unidentified individuals not associated with the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt the visit, prompting the visiting party to depart the premises.
The incident took place during a planned interaction involving Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami at the Glasgow Gurdwara. The disruption was attributed to “extremist elements.”
Police Involvement
The report further said that the statement mentioned these “unruly individuals” continued to disturb the congregation. The Scotland Police have initiated an inquiry into the matter. The Gurdwara expressed strong condemnation for such attempts to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship, emphasizing its open-door policy in line with its principles of faith.
Response and Condemnation
The Indian High Commission reported the incident to UK authorities, characterizing it as a “disgraceful incident” where individuals from outside Scotland intentionally disrupted a planned interaction organized for the Indian High Commissioner, the report said. The incident has garnered condemnation from several British Members of Parliament, including Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the UK’s Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific.
Statement by UK Minister
Anne-Marie Trevelyan expressed her concern regarding the incident on social media and stressed the importance of security and safety at foreign places. She emphasized that places of worship in the United Kingdom should be open to all.