Ashish Ranjan
Indian journalist attacked: A Washington-based Indian journalist claimed he was assaulted physically and verbally by pro-Khalistani protestors outside the Indian Embassy in the United States. ANI reported that Lalit Jha was attacked by pro-Khalistani protestors while documenting the protest on Saturday afternoon.
The journalist claimed that two poles were used to strike his left ear by Khalistani supporters. Additionally, he shared a video of Khalistani supporters on his Twitter account. Lalit thanked the US Secret Service on Sunday for protecting him and assisting him with his duties.
Protesters included males of all ages wearing turbans and chanting pro-Khalistan slogans. ANI reported that they originated from various areas of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region. The organizers used microphones to deliver anti-India speeches in both English and Punjabi, while also accusing the Punjab Police of human rights violations.
The incident follows recent acts of vandalism against Indian diplomatic missions in San Francisco and London. Last Sunday, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters assaulted and vandalized the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Protesters shouted pro-Khalistan slogans and breached security barriers to erect two Khalistani banners within the Consulate’s grounds.
Free Amritpal was spray-painted in large letters on the exterior wall of the San Francisco building. The demonstrators who entered the Consulate also used iron rods to strike the door and windows.After Khalistani supporters vandalized the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco, India conveyed its vehement protest to the US Charge d’Affairs during a meeting in Delhi.
“The United States government was reminded of its fundamental obligation to safeguard diplomatic representation. India stated in a statement that it had been instructed to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
INDIAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC TAKES NOTE
After the incident came to light, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC condemned the ‘grave’ and ‘unwarranted’ attack on the senior journalist, adding that such actions highlight the violence and anti-social tendencies of the so-called ‘Khalistani protesters’ and their supporters, who routinely engage in wanton vandalism and violence.
“We have seen disturbing images of a senior Indian journalist from Press Trust of India being verbally abused, physically threatened, and assaulted while documenting the ‘Khalistan protest’ in Washington, D.C. In a statement, the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. said, “We understand that the journalist was first verbally intimidated and then physically assaulted. Fearing for his personal safety and well-being, he contacted law enforcement, who responded promptly.”
On Wednesday, protestors in London demonstrated in front of the Indian High Commission and threw colored pyrotechnics and water bottles at the mission. Last Sunday, pro-Khalistan extremists destroyed the mission’s windows and attempted to remove the Tricolor from its flagpole.
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Sameer Kaushal, a journalist of Indian descent, was heckled by Khalistan supporters in Surrey, Canada, on March 21. Kaushal told India Today that pro-Khalistan protesters deliberately targeted him.
