The Indian Consulate in San Francisco, located in the United States, has once again fallen victim to an attack allegedly carried out by Khalistan supporters. This recent incident marks the second time in the last five months that the consulate has been targeted, resulting in an attempted arson. The US State Department has strongly condemned the act of vandalism, emphasizing that such actions are considered criminal offenses.
Arson Attack on Indian Consulate
A video, uploaded to Twitter by self-proclaimed Khalistan supporters, showcased the arson attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, which occurred on July 2. Fortunately, the local fire department swiftly extinguished the fire, preventing any significant damage or injuries. The video displayed the phrase “violence begets violence” and included news articles concerning the recent death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canada-based chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
US Condemns the Attack
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, took to Twitter to express strong condemnation for the attempted arson and vandalism targeting the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. The US government categorizes the act as a criminal offense, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining diplomatic security and protecting diplomatic missions.
Protests Against Nijjar’s Killing
The attack on the consulate follows the emergence of pro-Khalistani posters displaying the photos and names of the Indian high commissioner and consul general, which occurred in response to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, recently raised this matter with the Canadian government, urging them to address the issue.
India’s Response to Previous Attack
In March, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco experienced a similar attack, prompting India to register a strong protest with the US government. At that time, India called for appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and emphasized the US government’s responsibility to safeguard diplomatic representations. The Ministry of External Affairs held a meeting with the US Charge d’Affaires, underscoring the obligation to protect and secure diplomatic missions.
The repeated attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco by alleged Khalistan supporters highlight the ongoing tensions and security concerns faced by diplomatic missions. As India seeks justice for these incidents, it emphasizes the need for collaboration with the US and other governments to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic representations worldwide.
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