March 29, 2023
3 mins read

US slams violent incidents at Indian diplomatic facilities

The response from Vedant Patel comes after the pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy ….reports Asian Lite News

The United States has condemned violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Tuesday. He asserted that violence or threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest.

In response to a question about the Indian American community in the US living under fear from the few elements, or Khalistani elements, especially in San Francisco after the vandalization of the Indian consulate, Vedant Patel said, “We condemn the recent violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities in the United States.” While addressing the press briefing, he further said, “Look, we support the First Amendment rights of protesters, and we support engagement of free speech activities. However, violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest.”

Vedant Patel said that the US Department of State is committed to taking all appropriate measures to protect the safety and security of the diplomatic facilities and employees working there.

“Consistent with our Vienna Convention obligations, the Department is committed to taking all appropriate steps, including coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, to protect the safety and security of these facilities and the diplomatic individuals who work within them as well,” Vedant Patel said.

The response from Vedant Patel comes after the pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest on Saturday.

Multiple incidents of protests by supporters of Khalistan have been staged outside the Indian embassy and the San Francisco Consulate. Last week, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was also attacked. Recently, a video surfaced on social media in which pro-Khalistani protestors gathered at the consulate in San Francisco, shouting slogans in support of Amritpal Singh and heckling staff as they abandoned the diplomatic mission.

Asked about the attack on a journalist in Washington, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that the attacks against journalists are “never acceptable.” He said that the US condemns any incidents of violence against a member of the media.

“Attacks against journalists are never acceptable, and we condemn any incidents of violence against a member of the media just doing their job, and any act of violence or vandalism against a diplomatic facility as well,” Vedant Patel said.

A Washington-based Indian journalist was physically attacked and verbally abused by Khalistan supporters in Washington while covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian Embassy on Saturday afternoon. The Indian embassy in the US has condemned the incident.

Condemning the incident, the Indian embassy said in a statement, “We condemn such a grave and unwarranted attack on a senior journalist. Such activities only underscore the violent and anti-social tendencies of the so-called ‘Khalistani protestors’ and their supporters, who routinely engage in wanton violence and vandalism.”

Hundreds of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Embassy in the United States. The organisers used mics to make anti-India speeches both in English and Punjabi and targeted the Punjab Police for alleged human rights violations. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US Senate introduces Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 programme

Previous Story

US Senate introduces Bill to reform H-1B, L-1 programme

Next Story

China’s alleged theft of military tech a concern for US

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden nominates Indian-American Banga to head World Bank

If confirmed by the World Bank Board, Banga will be

Kerala CPI-M targets youth as 23rd party congress begins

With regard to women members, Balakrishnan said that in 2018,