I-Day in Melbourne disrupted: Indians come face to face with Khalistan ‘goons’ – confrontation caught on cam

A flag-hoisting ceremony on the Indian consulate in Melbourne took a tense flip when a small group of Khalistanis interrupted the 79th Independence Day celebrations.The disruption was rapidly countered by attendees, who sang patriotic songs to drown out the protest.“Disturbance outside the Consul General of India in Melbourne! Khalistani ‘goons’ reportedly created a ruckus, disrupting the premises and raising tensions. Indians had gathered to peacefully celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, but the celebrations were interrupted. Local authorities are monitoring the situation,” Australia Today reported sharing the video of the incident.The protesters’ chants have been overpowered by the gang’s loud cries of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.Consul basic Sushil Kumar had earlier hoisted the tricolour, joined by Brad Batin, MP, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, mayor of Maribyrnong, and members of the Indian diaspora. The morning started with a patriotic theme, soulful renditions of nationwide songs, and calls to strengthen India–Australia ties.The incident will not be the one Khalistani-linked exercise in Australian cities.On July 21, Melbourne’s Swaminarayan Temple and two Asian eateries have been vandalised with hate graffiti. Red-painted racist slurs have been sprayed on the temple.On 15 July in Adelaide, a 23-yr-outdated Indian pupil was crushed with iron rods by Khalistani supporters for opposing the actions of extremist parts. Last December, tensions flared on the fourth Test match between India and Australia when pro-Khalistani supporters confronted Indian cricket followers contained in the stadium with out tickets, main to scuffles.External affairs minister S Jaishankar has beforehand urged nations corresponding to Canada, the UK and Australia to curb extremist actions, warning that “These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties.”Local authorities in Melbourne are monitoring the scenario.