Khalistani Supporters Disrupt Indian Independence Day Event in Melbourne; Ruckus Outside Consulate
Indian Independence Day celebrations outside the country’s consulate in Melbourne, Australia, were marred by pro-Khalistani individuals who attempted to disrupt the event, leading to a tense confrontation that required police intervention. Indian nationals who had gathered peacefully to commemorate the nation’s 79th Independence Day were met by a group of Khalistani supporters who raised flags and created a ruckus outside the consulate premises.
Videos from the scene showed a fierce altercation between the two groups, with law enforcement officers stepping in to form a barrier and prevent the verbal dispute from escalating into a physical brawl. The incident is the latest in a string of provocative actions by pro-Khalistani elements in Western countries, aimed at disrupting community events and raising tensions within the Indian diaspora.
This confrontation comes just weeks after a Hindu temple in Melbourne was defaced with hate-filled graffiti. The Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia was vandalized with anti-India slurs, an act that was strongly condemned by community leaders. “Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity. Seeing it vandalised felt like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion,” said Makrand Bhagwat, chief of the Hindu Council of Australia’s Victoria chapter.
Similar incidents have been reported in the United States, where a BAPS temple in Indiana was recently desecrated with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti, marking the fourth such attack on a Hindu temple in the US in less than a year. Amid these rising tensions, India has repeatedly urged foreign governments to deny space to individuals and groups who advocate violence and terrorism under the guise of freedom of expression.
The disruption in Melbourne stood in stark contrast to the official message from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who extended warm congratulations to India. “As a long-standing and consistent friend, Australia celebrates India’s success,” Albanese said, highlighting the strong bilateral relations and lauding the contributions of the Indian-Australian community.
