Melbourne: Khalistan supporters on Friday disrupted Independece Day celebrations by the Indian nationals in Australia's Melbourne. Members of the Indian community had gathered outside the consulate to peacefully celebrate 79th Independence Day, when a pro-Khalistan mob interrupted the event with Khalistani flags, according to a report by Australia Today.
A video from the spot has surfaced, the clip showed a heated altercation between the two groups, with law enforcement officers stepping in to separate them and prevent further escalation.
However, the disruption was short-lived. The Tricolour was later hoisted amid loud cheers of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”
PM Anthony Albanese Extends Wishes on India's Independence Day
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a message extended his wishes to Indians in Australia and around the world on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.
"Congratulations to everyone in Australia and around the world celebrating India's Independence Day," he said.
Quoting India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Albanese added:
“As the Tiranga flies proudly around the world, Indians can reflect with joy on all their nation has achieved in the 78 years since that extraordinary midnight that ushered in what then Prime Minister Nehru termed ‘the day appointed by destiny.’”
He went on to say, “As a long-standing and consistent friend, Australia celebrates India’s success. Australia and India are close partners, with flourishing economic, strategic, and community ties—defined by a spirit of respect, friendship, and cooperation.”
Swaminarayan Temple Defaced By Pro-Khalistan Separatist
Earlier last month, pro-Khalistan separatists defaced the Swaminarayan Temple in Australia's Boronia. Hateful slurs were spray-painted over the temple's wall, which read, “Go home brown c**t” with a portrait of Adolf Hitler painted.
