Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, faced an obstruction when trying to enter a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland. A video posted on ‘Sikh Youth UK’ on Instagram showed a man, allegedly a pro-Khalistani activist, blocking Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurudwara on Albert Drive, reported news agency ANI. The activist expressed discontent with Indian actions in Canada and stated that Indian ambassadors and officials are not welcome in UK Gurdwaras. ‘Sikh Youth UK’ claims that there is a standing ban on Indian officials visiting the gurdwara in their official capacities.
What happened at the Gurdwara?
Acoording to sources, Doraiswami was invited by the Gurudwara but a couple of radicals tried to stop him. To avoid any altercation, the High Commissioner left. Police arrived at the site thereafter. UK FO has been informed.
Rising tension amidst India-Canada diplomatic row
This incident occurs amidst a diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While Canada has alleged Indian involvement, India has strongly denied the claims, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised concerns about threats and violence against Indian diplomats and missions in Canada. He emphasized that the climate of violence and intimidation should not be normalized.
UK’s involvement in Pro-Khalistan extremism
The United Kingdom‘s Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, recently announced additional funding to enhance the UK’s capability in addressing ‘pro-Khalistan extremism.’ The £95,000 investment aims to bolster the UK’s understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism and complements joint efforts between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force, the ANI report said.
The UK government is closely monitoring the serious allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, but refrains from further comment during the ongoing Canadian investigation.