A flag-hoisting ceremony at the Indian consulate in Melbourne took a tense turn when a small group of Khalistanis interrupted the 79th Independence Day celebrations.The disruption was quickly countered by attendees, who sang patriotic songs to drown out the protest.“Disturbance outside the Consul General of India in Melbourne! Khalistani ‘goons’ reportedly created a ruckus, disrupting the premises and raising tensions. Indians had gathered to peacefully celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, but the celebrations were interrupted. Local authorities are monitoring the situation,” Australia Today reported sharing the video of the incident.The protesters’ chants were overpowered by the crowd’s loud cries of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.Consul general Sushil Kumar had earlier hoisted the tricolour, joined by Brad Batin, MP, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, mayor of Maribyrnong, and members of the Indian diaspora. The morning began with a patriotic theme, soulful renditions of national songs, and calls to strengthen India–Australia ties.The incident is not the only Khalistani-linked activity in Australian cities.On July 21, Melbourne’s Swaminarayan Temple and two Asian eateries were vandalised with hate graffiti. Red-painted racist slurs were sprayed on the temple.On 15 July in Adelaide, a 23-year-old Indian student was beaten with iron rods by Khalistani supporters for opposing the activities of extremist elements. Last December, tensions flared at the fourth Test match between India and Australia when pro-Khalistani supporters confronted Indian cricket fans inside the stadium without tickets, leading to scuffles.External affairs minister S Jaishankar has previously urged countries such as Canada, the UK and Australia to curb extremist activities, warning that “These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties.”Local authorities in Melbourne are monitoring the situation.
