New Delhi: Sections of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, Australia clashed on Sunday (January 29). At Federation Square, thousands of Sikh Victorians had gathered to vote in a non-binding referendum demanding a separate Sikh state. The tensions began around 4:30 pm, according to The Age, when Indian diaspora against this vote came with national flags to the voting site.
Two people were reportedly injured.
The police intervened, the Australian daily continued, with a total of five people being pepper sprayed and one man being handcuffed and detained. A 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were later arrested and issued a penalty notice for riotous behaviour.
Certain Sikh diaspora groups, particularly the US-based Sikhs for Justice (which is a banned organisation in India), have been campaigning for the creation of Khalistan for some time now. At the referendum on Sunday, the question was, “Should Indian-governed Punjab be an independent country?”
Several Australian MPs have tweeted expressing concern over the violence, saying that peaceful protest should not give way to vandalism or attacks.
I was appalled to see the violence at Fed Square in Melbourne on the weekend. People have the right to engage in peaceful protest in Australia, but there is no place for the violence or vandalism we’ve seen recently. Pleased @VictoriaPolice responded quickly & are investigating.
— Tim Watts MP (@TimWattsMP) January 30, 2023
I was concerned to see violence break out at Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday. Australia respects the right of individuals to engage in peaceful protest and supports the non-violent expression of views. Pleased @VictoriaPolice responded quickly and are investigating.
— Andrew Giles MP (@andrewjgiles) January 30, 2023
Saddened by these scenes so soon after Australia and India celebrate diversity and unity on their respective national days. Our commitment to peaceful protest does not extend to violence. @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @dfat @VohraManpreet @HCICanberra https://t.co/XX1OvbnJYC
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) January 31, 2023
This is not the first time that there have been violent disagreements between diaspora groups in Melbourne. Ever since pro-Khalistan groups have intensified their campaign, The Age reported, there have been multiple incidents of graffiti vandalism at Hindu temples.
On January 26, the Indian high commission had issued a statement condemning this vandalism.
Press Release from @HCICanberra over vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne.@MEAIndia @dfat @ausgov @cgisydney @cgimelbourne @CGIPerth pic.twitter.com/uyMxzh1TQh
— India in Australia (@HCICanberra) January 26, 2023
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi wrote in a tweet that the clash was deeply disturbing.
Deeply disturbed to see Sikh and Hindu communities clashing with each others in Melbourne.
Gives me an immense pain to see sons of mother India fighting over plot by Pakistan. Let’s ensure that together we defeat the K2 (Kashmir+Khalistan) plan of Pakistan.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 30, 2023
India has in the past objected to Canada allowing pro-Khalistan groups to be active in the country, including organising referendums of this kind.