• Thursday, March 28, 2024

HEADLINE STORY

‘Pro Khalistani’ group attacks Indian crowd in Melbourne, 5 injured; envoy speaks to Victoria premier

Members of alleged pro-Khalistani groups target Indians carrying Indian Tricolours in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday, January 29, 2023. (Picture: Twitter screengrab/@AussieBhakt)

By: Shubham Ghosh

Five people were hospitalised after members of alleged pro-Khalistani groups attacked a crowd carrying the Indian national flag in Melbourne, reported The Australia Today.

“Another video of #Khalistan goons running a mock in #Melbourne’s Federation Square Five injured one in Hospital,” The Australia Today tweeted.

After the video went viral, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a leader of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by prime minister Narendra Modi, condemned the “anti-India activities” by pro-Khalistani in Australia.

Unconfirmed sources even said that one man was beaten to death.

“I strongly condemn anti-India activities by pro-Khalistani in Australia. Anti-social elements that are trying to disrupt the peace & harmony of the country with these activities, must be dealt with strongly and culprits must be brought to books,” he tweeted.

The Indians were seen running away to protect themselves from the attack while one individual threw an Indian flag on the ground.

Indian high commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra called on Victoria’s premier Daniel Andrews and spoke with the latter about the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations and the violence which occurred in Melbourne. He said the meeting also featured talks on how to stop Khalistani groups from carrying out activities that disrupt peace and harmony.

Sarah L Gates, director of Hindu Human Rights Australasia, tweeted the video of a group of alleged pro-Khalistani supporters chasing a man who was carrying the Indian national flag.

“Khalistanis now sharing footage of a Khali mob approaching a lone Indian youth with Tiranga and assaulting them near Federation Square Khalistan Referendum. I hope @AusFedPolice will not turn a blind eye,” tweeted Gates.

One of them was seen charging towards the crowd with a sword.

The Australia Today earlier reported that Indians in Australia had notified the Victoria Police that they had planned a protest at the Federation Square in Melbourne against the rising pro-Khalistan activities in the country.

Meanwhile, Australian Hindu Media tweeted that a sword-yielding Khalistani supporter was arrested by the police at Federation Square.

“Khalistani goon, armed with a sword, who attacked Indians holding the Tiranga – arrested by police at Khalistani event at Federation Square, Melbourne today,” Australian Hindu Media tweeted.

Condemning the attack, the Victoria Police informed that as of now two people have been arrested. The two arrested men are in their 30s and have been issued a penalty notice for “riotous behaviour”.

The attack comes days after Hindu temples in Melbourne were set on fire in a targeted attack.

(ANI)

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