Incidents of Violence at Indian Diplomatic Facilities Condemned by US

In response to a question about the Indian American community living in fear of Khalistani elements, particularly in San Francisco after the Indian consulate was vandalised, Patel condemned the recent violent incidents at Indian diplomatic facilities in the United States. While acknowledging the protesters' First Amendment rights, Patel reiterated that violence or threats of violence are never acceptable forms of protest. He also affirmed the US Department of State's commitment to taking all appropriate measures, including working with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, to safeguard diplomatic facilities and employees as per their Vienna Convention obligations.

Patel's statement follows the pro-Khalistan supporters' threats to the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest on Saturday. Multiple protests by Khalistan supporters have taken place outside the Indian embassy and the San Francisco Consulate. Last week, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was attacked. Recently, a video emerged on social media showing pro-Khalistani protesters gathering at the San Francisco consulate, shouting slogans in support of Amritpal Singh and harassing staff as they left the diplomatic mission.

Asked about the attack on a journalist in Washington, Patel condemned the attack against journalists, stating that the US condemns any acts of violence against media personnel. The Indian embassy in the US has also condemned the attack and called it a grave and unwarranted attack on a senior journalist. The embassy further stated that such incidents only underscore the violent and antisocial tendencies of the so-called 'Khalistani protestors' and their supporters. The protesters used microphones to make anti-India speeches both in English and Punjabi and targeted the Punjab Police for alleged human rights violations.