On being questioned about the growing influence of the anti-India Khalistan movement in North America, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said that Washington condemns terrorism and violent extremism “in all of its forms.”
He added that the US rejects the use of violence to achieve political or other aims and supports peace and regional stability worldwide.
"We condemn all of those who resort to violence to achieve their ends", US state department on Khalistani activists that are active in North America pic.twitter.com/JgTsoioloB
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 9, 2023
Pakistan’s Anti-India Activities
During the press briefings, Price was asked about the US intelligence threat assessment report highlighting Pakistan’s “long history of supporting anti-India terrorist groups.” He was also questioned about the upcoming counter-terrorism dialogue with Pakistan and whether the US intends to raise issues, such as the Pakistani army and ISI’s support for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Khalistan, during the upcoming counter-terrorism meeting.
In response, Price highlighted that the dialogue will allow the US to support Pakistan in countering terrorism and violent extremism, which has impacted security beyond the region.
Q: Has US raised the matter of Pak army/ISI support to terror groups like LeT/ Khalistani terror groups
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 9, 2023
US state dept: Any group that threatens regional and global stability is a concern to us, it is something we dicuss in the context of US Pak counter terror dialogue pic.twitter.com/eiDdJFMaqU
Khalistan Influence Rising in the West
Price’s clarifications come amid an expanding influence of anti-India sentiments instigated by Khalistan groups like Sikhs for Justice. They have also organised referendums in several countries, including Canada, Australia, Italy, and the UK.
Several temples in Canada and Australia have also been vandalised with anti-India, pro-Khalistan slogans.
Earlier this month, the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was vandalised, which Hindu groups called an attempt to “terrorise” the minority community. The director for Hindu Human Rights, Sarah L. Gates, lamented the incident, saying that it is a “pattern of Sikhs for Justice globally” to use “a barrage of propaganda, illegal signs, and cyberbullying.”
It was a privilege to call on Premier of Victoria @DanielAndrewsMP today. Discussed our strong and growing bilateral relationship, the violence in Melbourne yesterday, and how to stop extremist Khalistani groups engaging in further activities prejudicial to peace and harmony. pic.twitter.com/BSA9xlGNX6
— Manpreet Vohra (@VohraManpreet) January 30, 2023
Similarly, the Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Canada, was vandalised with graffiti in February. Attacks were also reported in Toronto in January and September, following which the Indian government demanded action from authorities in Ottawa.
Indian leaders have often accused Pakistan of supporting and funding Khalistan supporters.
Australia Rejects Referendum
. @AusHCIndia on temples vandalised in Australia:
— Geeta Mohan گیتا موہن गीता मोहन (@Geeta_Mohan) March 6, 2023
Most Australians are appalled to see temples, religious places vandalised. Australian police authorities have been active
Australia respects freedom of speech but it does not extend to hate speech, violence and vandalism. https://t.co/M9D1YLOMJ0
On Monday, Australia’s High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell clarified that the Khalistan referendums do not have legal standing in Australia and reaffirmed an “unwavering respect” for India’s sovereignty.