A TOP Indian official has complained to the Foreign Office after protesters prevented him from entering the Glasgow gurdwara.
Vikram Doraiswami, India’s high commissioner to the UK, abandoned a community gathering organised at the gurdwara – a Sikh place of worship – after being confronted by activists.
A video of the confrontation, which has been shown on Indian broadcast news, showed Doraiswami leaving the event as one activist appeared to grab at the door of the car.
According to advocacy charity Sikhs in Scotland, the protest centred around the treatment of Sikhs by the Indian Government.
They referenced the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist leader, was murdered in June.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said there are “credible allegations potentially linking” the Indian state to Nijjar’s death.
And, the case of Dunbartonshire man Jagtar Singh Johal – a Sikh activist who has been awaiting trial in prison in India since 2017 – was also cited as a reason for the protest.
The High Commission of India in the UK released a statement condemning the activists and accused them of being based outside of Scotland.
“On September 29, 2023, three persons – all from areas outside Scotland – deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organized by the Gurdwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner (HC) and the Consul General of India (CG).
“The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and committee members and a member of the Scottish Parliament.
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“They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival.
“One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC’s car door – a matter that will require suitable police consideration.
“The High Commission of India has reported this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Metropolitan Police.”
However, Sikhs in Scotland pushed back against the High Commissioner’s version of events.
In a statement, they said: “Misinformation & fake news has been spread regarding a Peaceful & legal protest objecting to @VDoraiswami holding an official visit at #GlasgowGurdwara. This event was held secretly from the Sikh Gurdwara membership.
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“The protesters, who are all British and live in Scotland, stood peacefully and expressed objections to @VDoraiswami. He remained safely in his car at all times. He chose to drive away from the Gurdwara and did not stay to answer Sikh community's legitimate concerns.
“This visit was not publicly communicated to the membership by the Exec Committee. It was ill-timed, insensitive and served the agenda of the Indian State, not the interests of British Sikhs. Local members are asking questions of the Committee to account for their actions
“The Sikh Gurdwara is open to all respectful worshippers however there is no right for foreign governments and ambassadors to conduct official business. Unlike in India, the UK protects Sikhs to a right to peacefully object, protest and have their voice heard”
The group then called on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and local SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes to stand up for their right to peaceful protest.
The right to peaceful protest 🪧 is a fundamental right in #Scotland 🏴@DavidLammy https://t.co/aH1giDaaBo
— Martin Docherty-Hughes 🏴🏳️🌈🕊 (@MartinJDocherty) September 30, 2023
Labour MP David Lammy condemned the protestors' actions on X/Twitter.
He said: “Concerned by reports of the totally unacceptable incident involving my friend the Indian High Commissioner @vdoraiswami in Glasgow. It is vital that diplomats can operate freely and safely in our country.”
However, Docherty-Hughes responded to Lammy reiterating his support for peaceful protest.
“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right in #Scotland,” he said.
Police Scotland said enquiries were ongoing and that no arrests had been made.
Glasgow Gurdwara has strongly condemned the actions of the protesters.
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