Extremist, Separatist Forces Outside India Should Not Get Space: Jaishankar On US Temple Vandalism

S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, expressed concern on Saturday over the vandalism of a Hindu temple with anti-India graffiti in the US and stated that such a place should not be given to extremists and separatist groups operating outside of India.

On the fringes of Rashtriya Raksha University’s third convocation, he was chatting with reporters.”I am aware of the news. We are concerned about this, as you are aware. Outside of India, radicals and separatist groups shouldn’t be allowed any room. In response to a question concerning the event, Jaishankar stated, “Our consulate has filed a complaint with the (US) government and the police there over whatever happened, and I believe the matter is being investigated.”

According to the Newark, California police department, they were notified of graffiti at the Hindu temple Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at 8:35 a.m. on Friday. Images shared on social media purport that the word “Khalistan” and other offensive graffiti were spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple.
According to the Newark police, any acts or threats of violence, destruction of property, intimidation, harassment, or other crimes driven by bias or hate are taken extremely seriously and are given top priority.

Also read: BJP MLA imprisoned for 25 years in rape case disqualified from Uttar Pradesh assembly

The defacement of the temple was strongly condemned by the Indian Consulate General located in San Francisco. Speaking about the allegations that Nikhil Gupta was preparing to kill pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is based in the US, in coordination with an Indian official, the Union minister stated that the Indian embassy had granted him consular access (by that country’s government).” Whenever an Indian citizen is arrested, we seek consular access for their care which we have received thrice,” he stated.

Over the absence of USA and Canada from the list of partner countries for the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Jaishankar said he would not put any political meaning to this.”At the government level, it depends who we invite…The government of Gujarat can answer (over invitation to the countries). I would not put any political meaning,” the minister said.

Also read: BJP MLA imprisoned for 25 years in rape case disqualified from Uttar Pradesh assembly

“My understanding is the opposite, which is that in fact, many counties are calling us to participate in Vibrant Gujarat. We ask them to talk to the government of Gujarat. We would like to support it because we would like to see maximum participants,” he said.

Source: PTI