Ajit Karn
Brisbane: Khalistani supporters forced the closure of the Indian Consulate in Brisbane on Wednesday, according to The Australia Today, just days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to curtail anti-India elements in the country.
At the Indian Consulate on Swann Road in the Taringa suburb of Brisbane, “slogans were raised against Hindus labelling them supremacists with Khalistan Zindabad,” according to The Australia Today.
The Queensland Police stated that the gathering was unlawful.
During a press conference in New Delhi on March 11, Albanese gave assurances that Australia will not tolerate any extreme actions or attacks against religious buildings and that such actions have no place against Hindu temples.
Sarah L. Gates, director of Hindu Human Rights, told The Australia Today, “The Indian Consulate was compelled to close today due to safety concerns after Sikhs for Justice targeted them with their propaganda.”
“They have been chanting Khalistan Zindabad,” Gates said, adding that the area is heavily patrolled by police.
“These criminals should not be permitted to dictate how we live in Australia,” Parvinder Singh, a Queensland resident who took time off work to visit the Indian Consulate, told The Australia Today.
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese discussed disturbances caused by pro-Khalistani groups in Australia, with the latter PM assuring that his government will take all necessary steps to ensure peace and harmony.
“Issues pertaining to the Indian diaspora in Australia and disturbances caused by pro-Khalistani groups in Australia also came up for discussion between the two Prime Ministers,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said at a press conference on Friday.
The incidence of vandalism and violence against the Indian community and temples in Australia has alarmed Prime Minister Modi.
Kwatra added, “Prime Minister Albanese assured Prime Minister Modi that his administration has a profound comprehension and appreciation of India’s concerns and will take all necessary steps to ensure peace and harmony prevail in their society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated today that the Australian Prime Minister has assured the safety of the Indian community following incidents of temple desecration.
“It is regrettable that regular reports of attacks on temples have emanated from Australia in recent weeks. While addressing the media, Prime Minister Modi stated, “It is natural that such news would cause concern and unease in India.”
“In recent weeks, regular reports of assaults on Australian temples have emerged. It is only natural that such news would cause concern in India. “I have raised these concerns with Prime Minister Albanese, who has assured me that the welfare of the Indian community is a top priority for him,” Prime Minister Modi said Friday during the India-Australia: Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements.
“I expressed these sentiments and concerns to Prime Minister Albanese, who assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a top priority for him.” Our teams will be in regular contact and will cooperate as much as feasible on this matter,” Prime Minister Modi added.
While speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister stated, “On this matter, our teams will remain in regular contact and cooperate as much as feasible.” It is essential to address such challenges and global welfare.
“According to the prime minister, the Indian diaspora is now the second largest expatriate group in Australia. “This Indian community contributes significantly to Australia’s society and economy,” the prime minister stated.
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Just days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Australia, Khalistani flags were discovered last month affixed to the Indian Consulate in Brisbane.
Beginning in 2023, Khalistani elements have increased their defacement of Hindu temples in Australia with anti-Indian slogans and graffiti.
