Australia strongly rejects no place for violence and vandalism after Pro-Khalistanis attack Indians in Melbourne

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Barry O' Farrell AO, voiced his sadness on Tuesday in light of the attack by a pro-Khalistani group on Indians carrying the tricolor in Fed Square, Melbourne.

He claimed on his official Twitter account that Australia's commitment to peaceful protests does not include violence. Barry O' Farrell AO made the statement after individuals from an alleged pro-Khalistani group attacked Indians on Sunday who was holding the national flag.

He emphasized in the tweet that both countries had just celebrated diversity and unity on their respective national days when the incident was first reported.

"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," on Twitter, he posted.

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

Tim Watts, Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, wrote on Twitter: "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."

Videos circulated on social media showed a group of men hurling the Khalistani flag and attacking Indians carrying the Tricolor.

Following a string of similar attacks on Hindu temples, this act has heightened tensions between the Indian diaspora and other Australian communities.

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