India has formally raised concerns with the United Kingdom following an incident in which India’s High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami, was reportedly stopped from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland. The incident, which took place on Friday, has ignited a diplomatic row and concerns about an alleged ban on Indian officials visiting gurdwaras in their official capacities.
According to government sources, Mr. Doraiswami chose to leave the premises instead of engaging in a confrontation with the individuals who obstructed his entry into the gurdwara. A purported video of the incident, posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK,’ shows a man, believed to be a pro-Khalistani activist, blocking the High Commissioner’s path.
In the video, a protestor is heard saying, “They are hurting Sikhs in Canada and other places; every Sikh should protest against any Indian ambassador like we did here in Glasgow.” The footage also captures two individuals near the High Commissioner’s car, with one of them attempting to open the car door, which was locked from the inside. Subsequently, the video shows Mr. Doraiswami’s car leaving the gurdwara premises.
‘Sikh Youth UK’ claims that there is an ongoing ban on Indian officials visiting gurdwaras in their official capacities. One individual in the video remarked, “We know what games they are playing, what’s happening in Canada. The Canadian PM has openly condemned India and expelled Indian diplomats.” This incident comes at a time when India-Canada relations have been strained due to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India has vehemently rejected these allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to substantiate their claims regarding an Indian link to Nijjar’s killing.
The incident has garnered reactions from various quarters. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the incident, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa stating, “I strongly condemn this (that Vikram Doraiswami was allegedly stopped from entering a gurdwara in Scotland). Anyone from any religion or community can come here (gurdwara).”
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also voiced its disapproval of the incident. SGPC general secretary Grewal emphasized that the UK envoy should not have been prevented from entering the gurdwara, underlining that gurdwaras are open to individuals of all religions.
As tensions mount over this incident, diplomatic channels between India and the UK are expected to be closely monitored, and the incident’s implications on bilateral relations will be a subject of concern.
In light of these developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs is expected to seek assurances from the UK government to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for Indian officials in the UK, especially when visiting religious places like gurdwaras.
With inputs from ANI
