India’s consulate in San Francisco was recently targeted by alleged supporters of the Khalistani movement, who vandalised the premises and attempted to set it on fire. The incident, captured in a video posted on Twitter on July 2, showed the act of arson at the Indian Consulate, accompanied by the words “violence begets violence” and news articles regarding the death of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last month.

The US Government condemned the incident, terming it a “criminal offence.” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller tweeted on Monday, “The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offense.”

Diya TV, a South Asian broadcast TV network in the US, reported that a fire was set in the early hours of Sunday between 1:30-2:30 am at the San Francisco Indian Consulate.

The fire was quickly suppressed by the San Francisco Department, resulting in limited damage, and no staff members were harmed.

Local, state, and federal authorities have been notified of the incident.

A poster circulating on social media announces a “Khalistan Freedom Rally” scheduled for July 8, starting in Berkeley, California, and ending at the Indian embassy in San Francisco.

This is the second time within months that the Indian Consulate in San Francisco has been targeted by Khalistani supporters. On March 19, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters attacked and damaged the consulate, raising pro-Khalistan slogans and placing Khalistani flags inside the premises, which were later removed by consulate personnel.

Ajay Bhutoria, an Indian community leader, strongly condemned the attack on India’s consulate in San Francisco and expressed deep concern. He emphasized the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for consulate staff and members, as well as maintaining diplomatic relations between India and the United States. Bhutoria urged the San Francisco Police Department to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India has requested partner countries such as Canada, the UK, and the US not to provide space for “extremist Khalistani ideology” as it is detrimental to relations. The Minister indicated that the issue will be raised with the Government of Canada in response to reports of Khalistani posters naming senior Indian diplomats in the country.

Jaishankar stressed that the radical and extremist Khalistani ideology is not beneficial for India or its partner countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. He called for a united front against violence and the promotion of peace, understanding, and harmonious relations.