Complaint filed seeking revocation of Washington pro-Khalistani protesters' passports
What's the story
Supreme Court (SC) lawyer Vineet Jindal filed an official complaint with the Delhi Police on Monday against pro-Khalistani supporters protesting at the Indian Embassy in Washington, United States (US). According to reports, the complaint also urged the police to lodge a first information report (FIR) against the separatist supporters and take action against them by revoking their passports as per law.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This development comes amid a significant rise in extremist and separatist elements in the US after the Punjab Police initiated a crackdown on the pro-Khalistani leader and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh earlier this month. Not only in the US, but numerous Khalistani supporters have also been staging protests in Canada and the United Kingdom (UK).
Details
Details on SC lawyer's complaint
As per the complaint by Jindal, the pro-Khalistani supporters abused and threatened India's Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, as well as the Indian Embassy staff in Washington. Furthermore, the protestors also vandalized the place and verbally and physically attacked an Indian journalist outside the Indian Embassy during Saturday's protests, reported the news agency ANI.
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Know about Saturday's pro-Khalistani protest in Washington
During their protest on Saturday, separatist supporters also threatened the Indian ambassador to the United States and made provocative statements against the Indian government. The protesters allegedly included men of all ages in turbans who raised pro-Khalistani slogans. Organizers also reportedly used microphones to deliver anti-India speeches in Punjabi and English, accusing the Punjab Police of human rights violations.
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Details on pro-Khalistani protesters' claims against Indian government
The complaint also alleged that, in a widely circulated video, one of the demonstrators is heard making false claims about the killings of religious minorities in India. "This hypocrisy comes to an end now. There will come a day when the windows of your cars will break, and you will have nowhere to run to," protesters allegedly said while threatening the Indian Embassy.
Further details
Delhi Police files case over pro-Khalistan protest in London
On Friday, the Delhi Police registered a case in connection with a pro-Khalistan protest that took place at the Indian High Commission in London, UK. As per ANI, the case was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPP), Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), following the order from the Home Affairs Ministry.
Similar event
Canada: Indian envoy canceled event over security concerns
In a similar development, an event that was to be attended by the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, in British Columbia was canceled on March 19 due to security concerns following a violent pro-Khalistani protest. The event was organized at Surrey's Taj Park Convention Centre to reportedly welcome the Indian envoy to the Canadian west coast for the first time.
Further information
Know about Punjab Police's crackdown on Singh
To recall, the Punjab Police ramped up its statewide crackdown to arrest pro-Khalistani leader Singh on March 18. However, he is still on the run. A convoy of over 50 police vehicles pursued Singh and his associates to apprehend them after the radical preacher's last location was tracked in Jalandhar's Shahkot on March 18. Despite this, he still managed to escape the police.