Raising 'Khalistan Zindabad' slogans, Sikh separatists hold protest in US

However, the SFJ supporters were outnumbered by Indian-Americans raising Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogans with Indian flags flying high in their hand.

Around 2.30 pm yesterday, the members of the SFJ in front of a group of Pakistani reporters and cameramen tried to burn the Indian flag.

They ended up burning a green flag that had 'S' written on it.

It was some tense moments for the local law enforcement officials as the two groups were standing face-to-face in a park just across the road from the Indian embassy in Washington.

The standoff lasted for about two hours after which the protesters were forced by the local police to move across the road.

The local Sikh community slammed the SFJ for the protest.

"I am disturbed and concerned that a chosen few can build a narrative about the Sikh community in USA which will be viewed by the whole world," said Puneet Ahluwalia, an Indian American leader from Virginia.

"I will not stand for these forces to develop a misguided narrative with US leadership and public, besides polarizing the already sensitivities towards minorities in India," he said.

In a statement, American Hindu Coalition (AHC) expressed deep dismay at SFJ's attempt to burn the Indian flag.

"The intent of flag burning is also an immense affront to the largest democracy on the earth and causing huge grief to American Hindus," said Harsh Sethi, the AHC president, who has a Sikh inheritance.

Ravi Batra, an Indian-American attorney from NY, too expressed his concern.

"What SFJ - an American-born and accredited entity is seeking to do, however - is to burn the flag of another nation - and here is the critical part - as part of a campaign, allegedly, as an unregistered foreign agent engaging in terrorist activities in India," Batra noted.

Meanwhile, the Twitter account of the SFJ has been suspended by the social media company.