30-09-2023 : During his visit to Scotland this week, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Dorwaiswami, encountered a disruptive and alarming incident when pro-Khalistan extremists prevented him from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow. The incident, which took place on Friday evening, prompted condemnation from the Indian mission and has been reported to the UK government.
According to a statement issued by the High Commission of India in London, three individuals from outside Scotland deliberately disrupted the planned visit. One of the disruptors even attempted to forcefully open the door of the diplomatic vehicle as senior diplomats were arriving at the Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib on Albert Drive. As threats and abuses were hurled at the diplomats and organizers, the High Commissioner and Consul General of India decided to leave the premises to avoid further confrontation.
The incident unfolded on September 29, 2023, during a planned interaction organized by the Gurdwara Committee to discuss community and consular matters. The organizers included senior community leaders, women, committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were subjected to threats and abuse by these individuals, leading the High Commissioner and Consul General to leave the premises to prevent a potential altercation.
The statement revealed that one of the disruptors attempted to violently force open the High Commissioner’s car door, a matter that requires police consideration. Quick intervention by one of the organizers prevented a more serious incident from occurring. The Indian High Commission promptly reported this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police.
Following the incident, the gurdwara committee and local community leaders expressed regret and called for action against those responsible. Local police were called to the disturbance, and their inquiries are ongoing. There were no reported injuries during the incident.
This incident follows a recent diplomatic standoff over pro-Khalistan extremism, exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in Canada’s Parliament regarding “credible allegations” related to Indian government involvement in the murder of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These allegations were vehemently rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as baseless and motivated.
A video posted on social media by a group called Sikh Youth UK captured a Sikh man expressing support for the disruption, stating, “This is exactly how we should be greeting any Indian ambassador, anyone from the Indian government who comes in an official capacity under any excuse of doing visa applications or whatever it might be.”
The incident occurred towards the end of the Indian High Commissioner’s two-day visit to Scotland, during which he engaged in meetings and discussions with local political leaders, diaspora representatives, business leaders, and university groups. Discussions covered various topics, including cooperation between India and Scotland in sectors such as fintech, sustainable agriculture, tourism, and water conservation.
During a meeting with Scotland’s First Minister, Hamza Yousaf, the issue of British Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal, who is in custody on terrorism charges in India, was also raised. The High Commissioner emphasized that due process is being followed in Mr. Johal’s case, who faces eight serious terror charges. The First Minister acknowledged the High Commissioner’s message that the rights of all communities are guaranteed in India’s pluralistic and democratic society.
The Indian High Commissioner’s visit also included engagements with the Scottish Parliament, a lecture at the University of Edinburgh titled ‘India@75,’ interactions at the University of Strathclyde, and a breakfast meeting with leading business leaders, where topics ranged from whisky, aviation, energy, agriculture, green economy, space, and investments.