India’s Independence Day Event Disrupted by Pro-Khalistan Protesters in Melbourne; Concerns Over Rising Hate Crimes Against Indians Abroad
A video shows pro-Khalistan supporters waving the Khalistan flag in response to Indians hoisting the national flag and singing patriotic songs.
An event marking India’s 79th Independence Day in Australia was disrupted on Friday by a group of pro-Khalistan supporters outside the Indian Consulate in Melbourne, according to a report by The Australia Today.
Videos circulating on social media show a heated verbal altercation between the protesters and attendees.
This incident is the latest in a string of pro-Khalistan-related disruptions across Australia. Just last month, Melbourne’s Swaminarayan temple and two Asian restaurants were vandalized with hate-filled graffiti. One disturbing image spray-painted on the temple in Boronia included Adolf Hitler and the message “Go Home Brown C\*\*T.”
In a separate incident, an Indian man in Adelaide was physically assaulted following a parking dispute, which authorities are investigating as a racially motivated attack.
The tensions have even spilled into sporting events. In 2024, pro-Khalistan supporters clashed with Indian fans during the fourth Test match between India and Australia.