'You Killed Nijjar': Indian Envoy Heckled By Pro-Khalistani Protesters At New York Gurdwara

In a purported video shared on various social media accounts, Indian envoy Sandhu can be seen being confronted by extremist elements who were making statements about India-designated terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

NEW YORK: In a distressing incident, Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had to face a hostile reception from pro-Khalistani elements during his visit to the Hicksville Gurdwara in Long Island, New York, for Gurpurab prayers.

Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, & equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all. pic.twitter.com/i45M2TuSdf — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) November 27, 2023

The event took a tumultuous turn as a group of Khalistani extremists confronted Ambassador Sandhu and scouted anti-India slogans in connection with the alleged killing of terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

A video of the shocking incident was also shared on social media. The purported video showed a Khaklistani protester shouting in Punjabi, "You are responsible for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. You plotted to kill Pannun."

In the video, Ambassador Sandhu was also seen leaving the premises in his vehicle, while a lone protester unfurled the Khalistani flag outside the Gurdwara. This unsettling incident sheds light on the escalating pro-Khalistani activities globally.

BJP's national spokesperson RP Singh claimed in a video post on X that the protest against Ambassador Sandhu was led by Himmat Singh.

Khalistanies tried to heckle Indian Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS with basless Questions for his role in the failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant, (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum campaign.

Himmat Singh who led the pro Khalistanies at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused… pic.twitter.com/JW5nqMQSxO — RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) November 27, 2023

This incident follows a series of pro-Khalistani activities in various countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US. In July, Khalistan extremists orchestrated an arson attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, prompting India to seek evidence under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Regrettably, this marks the second instance of a senior Indian envoy being heckled by pro-Khalistani elements in recent months. In September, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami faced a similar obstruction at a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland. This has sparked concerns over the security of Indian diplomats globally.

In response to these incidents, India and the US have engaged in discussions on security cooperation. Recent talks between the two nations revealed inputs regarding the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, and terrorists. Both countries express mutual concern, emphasizing the need for follow-up actions to ensure the safety of diplomats and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

It may be recalled that India-Canada ties soured badly after Khalistani terrorist Nijjar was shot dead by masked men at a parking lot in Canada's British Columbia. Months later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the role of Indian agents in the killing, sparking a massive diplomatic row. India trashed the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated". In recent remarks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is not ruling out an investigation but wants Canada to provide evidence backing its allegations.