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Indian Diaspora Shows Solidarity Outside Indian Consulate in San Francisco
Last week, extremist and separatist elements vandalized the Indian consulate in San Francisco. In response, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the consulate on Saturday to show solidarity.
Support from Multifaith Diaspora
At the gathering, more than 100 locals of various faiths, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, came together to show their support. To emphasize their unity, the supporters hoisted both the American flag and the Indian tricolor. They also chanted “Vande Matram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” in support.
Verbal Altercations with Khalistan Supporters
There were a few verbal altercations between the diaspora and Khalistan supporters, who had been camping outside in tents for more than five days. Another pro-Khalistan protest in favor of Amritpal Singh was also scheduled for Saturday outside the consulate.
Response from US Congressional Candidate CA17, Ritesh Tandon
US Congressional Candidate CA17, Ritesh Tandon, praised the show of support and condemned the attack. He also criticized the San Francisco government for failing to provide adequate security in the situation. Tandon demanded a prompt investigation into the violence and called for the US government to take measures to secure all Indian consulate offices across the US.
Additional Community Responses
Community leaders also spoke out in support of India and the consulate. Satish Vale expressed his solidarity with India, calling the attack “disturbing to the world community.” Gaurang Desai criticized the lack of response from Bay Area elected officials to condemn the act of violence against India. Poet and social activist Archana Panda described the gathering as a display of “solidarity and patriotism to Mother India.”
Vandalism and Response
Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian Consulate in San Francisco after vandalism in London. Videos on social media showed a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags and using them to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building, raising pro-Khalistan slogans. India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalization of the consulate property to the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi last week.
