Last week, the Indian consulate in San Francisco was allegedly vandalized after protests on behalf of the Khalistan movement escalated. According to Tribune India, large numbers of Indian Americans gathered outside of the consulate on Saturday to show support for India.
The Khalistan movement seeks to establish an independent homeland for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India. Protests on behalf of the movement have been held throughout India and the United States.
On March 19, supporters of the Khalistan movement protested outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco. The protests coincided with two others in London and Canberra, Australia. In San Francisco, events escalated and now protestors are being accused of breaking windows, spray painting graffiti and injuring workers.
Sikh Americans condemned the damage to the consulate. A few Indian American politicians responded as well.
“These reprehensible acts of violence against diplomatic missions and their staff are a violation of international norms and principles that govern peaceful diplomacy,” Saratoga City Councilmember Rishi Kumar wrote in a Facebook post. “It is the responsibility of the host countries to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and their premises.”
Indian American counter-protestors responded Saturday by waving the Indian national flag outside of the consulate while chanting “Vande Mataram.”
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