Diplomatic tensions: Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu confronted at US gurdwara, BJP responds to incident

Diplomatic tensions: Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian Ambassador to the United States, faced an alleged altercation with a group believed to be Sikh preachers while visiting the Hicksville Gurdwara in New York's Long Island to observe Gurpurab. In a video circulating online, Sandhu appears to be challenged by the group, mentioning India-designated terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

RP Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson, shared a video on social media condemning the incident. Singh accused the Sikh group of attempting to disrupt Sandhu's visit and raised claims about India's alleged involvement in incidents related to designated terrorists.

Khalistanies tried to heckle Indian Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS with basless Questions for his role in the failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant, (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum campaign.

Himmat Singh who led the pro Khalistanies at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused… pic.twitter.com/JW5nqMQSxO — RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) November 27, 2023

The video showed Sandhu departing from the premises as a protester displayed the Sikh flag outside the Gurdwara. Later, Sandhu, without explicitly addressing the incident, shared a post stating his privilege in participating in the Gurpurab celebrations, underscoring Guru Nanak's message of unity and partaking in langar.

This incident adds to a series of activities observed in various countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

In a separate incident, Indo-Canadian devotees in Surrey, British Columbia, confronted various elements protesting a consular camp at Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Nearly 200 counter-protesters engaged with the Sikh group, resulting in a standoff, closely monitored by Surrey Police.

Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, & equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all. pic.twitter.com/i45M2TuSdf — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) November 27, 2023

The banned organisation, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has warned the Hindu community in connection with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to tensions and controversy between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments about a potential link between Nijjar's murder and Indian agents exacerbated diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

In recent months, incidents of vandalism and confrontations involving in elements have escalated. In July, Sikh leaders targeted the Indian consulate in San Francisco in an arson attack, prompting India to seek evidence from US authorities.

Moreover, incidents like the blocking of the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami from entering a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland, and discussions on security cooperation between India and the US regarding organised crime and terrorism underline the growing concerns over diplomatic security.

- With inputs from agencies