Supporters of Khalistan shared a video of the arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Twitter on July 2. The movie, which had the phrase “violence begets violence” written across it, also had news reports about the demise of Canada- Based Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijja.
Indian-American leaders and lawmakers in the US have strongly condemned the attempted arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco and demanded that those responsible for this “criminal act” be swiftly brought to justice.
They also criticized the “violent rhetoric” directed against Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian ambassador to the US. They claimed that exercising one’s right to free speech does not give one the right to encourage violence or vandalize property.
Congressmen Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, warned violence against diplomatic installations would not be condoned in a joint statement released on Thursday. “As the co-chairs of the India Caucus, we strongly condemn the attempted arson and vandalism at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and the posters circulating on social media with violent rhetoric aimed at Indian diplomats, including Ambassador Sandhu,” they said.
“We support the right to free speech and freedom of expression for every American, but that is not a license to vandalize property or incite violence. Violence against diplomatic facilities is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. We urge the State Department to coordinate with law enforcement in their investigation of the damage at the Indian Consulate expeditiously and hold those involved accountable,” they added. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said the attack on the Indian consulate was unacceptable.
