MELBOURNE, 29 January 2023: Scuffles broke out today between two groups of the Indian Diaspora near the Federation Square and Flinders Street Station – one holding the non-binding ‘referendum on Khalistan’ and the other opposing it carrying Indian flags. Reports indicate two persons were arrested by police and issued a penalty notice for riotous behaviour. The incidents, Victoria Police says, happened at 12.45 pm and 4.30 pm. The cops used Pepper Spray to separate two persons during the second incident. Two people were treated for minor injuries by paramedics in the area.
Many videos of the incidents have been posted on social media and are being shared in What’s App groups. Earlier, in the month, three temples in Mill Park, Carrum Downs and Albert Park were defaced with offensive graffiti. The act was condemned across the community including by political parties and Sikh temples. The matter is still being investigated.
Meanwhile, in a new development India’s High Commissioner Mr. Manpreet Vohra, today (30 January, 2023) met the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. In a Tweet he says, ” It was a privilege to call on Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews 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.”
Later he visited the Hare Krishna Temple, Albert Park and Tweeted again, ” Blessed to visit the iconic ISKCON Krishna Temple in Albert Park, Melbourne. This is another holy place that was vandalized recently by pro-Khalistani elements. Their hate-filled grafitti was threatening to the peaceful Indian-Australian community in Melbourne and must be stopped.”
Mr Vohra also visited the BAPS Temple in Mill Park.
THE OFFICIAL VICTORIA POLICE STATEMENT (Emailed to South Asia Times (SAT) on 30 January, 2023)
Police were in attendance at a Khalistan Referendum event at Federation Square yesterday when two scuffles broke out, one about 12.45 pm and the other at about 4.30pm.
In both incidents police quickly responded to separate and disperse the crowd with police deploying OC spray during the second incident to separate the fighting men.
As a result of each incident a 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were arrested, and each issued with a penalty notice for riotous behaviour.
Melbourne East Neighbourhood Policing Team are continuing to investigate after it was identified two men, one with a laceration to their head and another with a hand injury, were injured.
The pair were treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics for what was believed to be minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Updated on 30 January, 2023.
This story is developing & will be updated with new inputs if necessary.
