This attack comes after Khalistani supporters vandalised the consulate in March when the Punjab police had launched a massive crackdown against Amritpal Singh and his aides.
A group of Khalistan radicals allegedly attempted arson at the consulate. However, there were no major damages as the fire was suppressed quickly by the San Francisco Fire Department.No staffer suffered injuries due to the prompt action by the fire department.A video by Khalistan supporters, dated July 2 posted on Twitter, showed the act of arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
The video, with the words ‘violence begets violence’ emblazoned over it, also showed news articles related to the death of Canada-based Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar, one of India’s most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Canada last month.
Reacting to the attempted arson, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offense”.
A poster being shared on social media says that a ‘Khalistan Freedom Rally’ will be organised on July 8 that will start in Berkeley, California and end at the Indian embassy in San Francisco.
On Monday, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said that India has requested partner countries like Canada, the UK, the US and Australia not to give space to the Khalistanis.
On names of Indian diplomats in Khalistani posters in Canada, he said, “They should not give space to these Khalistanis. These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties. Will raise the issue of these posters”.
-With agency inputs
