On camera: Indian journalist abused by Khalistani supporters near Indian embassy in Washington

Washington DC-based Indian journalist Lalit Jha was physically attacked and verbally abused by Khalistani supporters outside the Indian Embassy, while covering a pro-Khalistan protest on Saturday.

Lalit Jha said that he was hit on his left ear with two sticks by the Khalistani supporters and thanked the US Secret Service for protecting him.

Taking to Twitter, Jha posted a video in which two Sikh men could be seen wielding sticks and abusing the Indian government and PM Modi profusely.

"Thank you @SecretService 4 my protection 2day 4 helping do my job, otherwise I would have been writing this from hospital. The gentleman below hit my left ear with these 2 sticks & earlier I had to call 911 & rushed 2 police van 4 safety fearing physical assault, " tweeted Lalit Jha.

"You report to the Indian government," one of the protesters was heard saying in the video.

"Tell him that there's a fascist government. F*** you....that's what you are. Fuck Indian government, Make the video," another said.

Speaking to ANI, Jha narrated his ordeal saying, "At one point I felt so threatened that I called 911. I then spotted Secret Service officers and narrated the incident to them," Jha told ANI.

Meanwhile, Indian-American politician Ro Khanna condemned the attack and called it an assault on journalism.

"This violence against Lalit Jha is outrageous and an assault on journalism. I condemn it in the strongest terms. Lalit is one of the fairest and most thoughtful journalists. Thank you to our security for protecting Lalit and the diplomats and consulate," Ro Khanna said in a tweet.

The incident comes days after a group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Sunday made an attempt to set on fire India's consulate in San Francisco.

The consulate in San Francisco immediately took up the matter with the city police and concerned authorities at multiple levels from San Francisco to Washington DC. However, the protestors went violent later in the day.

Several people who came to the consulate for passport or visa services were harassed by the protestors and in some cases even obstructed from entering the premises.

Separatist Sikhs have held a similar protest in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. But the protest remained a peaceful one, mainly because of the pro-activeness of the Washington DC Police and Diplomatic Security.

In recent months there has been a rise in anti-India activities in Canada, Australia and the UK by Khalistan supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples in these countries.