On November 19 this year, a Nagar Kirtan (also called Humanity walk) organised by the Indian-Australian community in Victoria’s capital Melbourne was ‘hijacked’ by Khalistani supporters.
The march, which was supposed to foster inter-faith harmony, instead witnessed the distribution of T-shirts, booklets and Khalistani flags.
Khalistanis from US, Canada join Nagar Kirtan in Australia
According to The Australia Today, those who hijacked the Nagar Kirtan that day were no ordinary men but members of the banned terror outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
Many of them had flown in from the United States and Canada to participate in the event and run the ‘Khalistan referendum’ programme. Sikhs for Justice was banned by the Indian government on July 10, 2019, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for anti-India activities on July 10, 2019.
India declared the founder of Sikhs for Justice, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a terrorist, in July 2020. In the same month, 40 websites of SFJ were blocked by the Indian government. SFJ had tried to lure Punjab’s youth for Referendum 2020 and create unrest in the region.
Reaction of the locals in Victoria
While speaking about the matter to The Australia Today, a 71-year-old Melbourne resident Sukhjeet Kaur said, “Just when I thought it is the best time to be in Melbourne with flourishing Gurdwara and Nagar Kirtan at the centre of the city, these Khalistan supporters are destroying it.”
She informed, “I thought we have left the dark memories of Khalistani terrorism behind us but on Saturday I felt like I am back to those ugly days. A little child whose grandfather was killed by Khalistani terrorists is given the Khalistan flag, it is the biggest torture of my life.”
India expresses concern, Australia starts probe
It is notable that India has already taken note of the Khalistan flags and banners in the Melbourne event, and the Indian government has already warned the Australian government about the rise of Khalistani elements in the country. Reportedly, during a recent meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, Indian government officials expressed concern over increasing support for the Khalistan movement, especially in the Indian community in Melbourne. Indian officials told the Australian govt that the Indian govt was worried that local Khalistan movement leaders were recruiting impressionable Indian Sikhs in Australia “who don’t know what they are getting into”.
India also told Australia that the Khalistan movement had ties to proscribed terrorist organisations with a history of violent terrorism and lots of violence in the past. Therefore, if their growing influence is not checked, there is a possibility of communal disharmony and law and order problems.
After the concern expressed by India, the Australian government has started to investigate the matter, and the officials are reportedly investigating whether foreign nationals with a history of violence have entered the country and joined the Khalistan movement. The Australia Today also revealed that the Department of Home Affairs is examining the visa conditions of some Khalistani overseas players who are actively involved in a proposed Khalistan referendum to be held in Melbourne.
Editors note: An earlier version of this report identified one individual reportedly responsible for the Khalistani propaganda at the Nagar Kirtan. That information was based on a report by Australia Today. However, Australia Today pulled down their report and therefore, this report has been updated to remove references to the said individual.
