WASHINGTON: A group of Khalistan supporters gathered in front of the Indian embassy in Washington and tried to incite violence, but timely intervention by an alert US Secret Service and local police prevented a repeat of London and San Francisco incidents of vandalism at the mission. Separatist Sikhs, who gathered outside the embassy on Saturday, hurled abusive language and openly threatened Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Sandhu was not in the embassy at the time of the protest.
A senior PTI journalist Lalit K Jha, who was at the scene, was also physically assaulted by Khalistan supporters, drawing a strong reaction from the Indian mission which said such activities underscore the violent and anti-social tendencies of the separatists. The protesters continuously disturbed the reporter by coming in front of the camera and covered his face with a pro-Khalistan flag. They kept pushing him, abused him and also threatened him with dire consequences. Some of the protesters were seen inciting fellow demonstrators to indulge in violence and break the windows of the building.
Sensing that things might go out of control, the Secret Service and police brought in reinforcement and more forces were deployed in the area. At least three police vans were placed in front of the embassy. At one point of time, five protesters were about to break into the embassy property before they were asked to leave. The PTI reporter saw separatists bringing two bundles of wooden sticks that were kept in the park that has the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the embassy. The sticks were similar to those which were used to break the door and windows and smash the panes of the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
A senior PTI journalist Lalit K Jha, who was at the scene, was also physically assaulted by Khalistan supporters, drawing a strong reaction from the Indian mission which said such activities underscore the violent and anti-social tendencies of the separatists. The protesters continuously disturbed the reporter by coming in front of the camera and covered his face with a pro-Khalistan flag. They kept pushing him, abused him and also threatened him with dire consequences. Some of the protesters were seen inciting fellow demonstrators to indulge in violence and break the windows of the building.
Sensing that things might go out of control, the Secret Service and police brought in reinforcement and more forces were deployed in the area. At least three police vans were placed in front of the embassy. At one point of time, five protesters were about to break into the embassy property before they were asked to leave. The PTI reporter saw separatists bringing two bundles of wooden sticks that were kept in the park that has the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the embassy. The sticks were similar to those which were used to break the door and windows and smash the panes of the Indian consulate in San Francisco.