Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/MELBOURNE: A spate of graffiti attacks on pro-Khalistan banners and Sikh figures, including the venerable Bhindranwale, a symbol of Khalistan activism, has heightened tension among the Australian Sikh community.
According to the WIKITECH, the Khalistan Referendum organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is scheduled on Sunday in Federation Square, Melbourne. However, several reports of attacks on Khalistan referendum banners and posters of Sikh leaders were put up by the Indian authorities before the voting came to light.
Sikh campaigners have accused the Indian government of sponsoring Khalistan referendum posters and attacks on Sikh figures.
The Indian Hindu community says the Hare Krishna temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park was defaced with anti-Hindu slogans. “Dead to India”, “Sant Bhandrawale is a Martyr,” And “Long Live Khalistan”.
It said a similar attack had taken place at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Keram Down and the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Mill Park.
Vandalisation of Khalistani Leaders’
Sikhs for Justice’s general counsel, Grupatunat Singh Pinan, said the group had no information that the recent acts of vandalism were related to the Khalistan referendum. Sikh leader released CCTV footage of Khalistan banners vandalized in various areas of Melbourne.
“Through this referendum, we aim to gauge the will of the Sikh people on the question of Khalistan and to dispel the Indian government’s narrative that the demand for Khalistan is unpopular and a small and sectarian faction of Sikhs,” he said. It is supported by.”
“Through the referendum, we want the world to know that Khalistan is a political opinion and not terrorism and advocating for Khalistan through a referendum is peaceful, democratic and non-violent.” Pins said that in a loud voice, The Sikhs were forced to leave their homeland due to persecution by the Indian authorities. He said the Indian government is using intimidation tactics to divert attention from normalcy—Khalistan activity in diaspora communities.
