Victoria police gets cracking on Khalistani elements in Australia

The Indian Intelligence agencies have been warning about a rise in the activities by the ISI backed Khalistan elements.

The Victoria Police in Australia have finally woken up and acted, two months after sword welding Khalistanis attacked the Indian community at the Federation Square in Melbourne.

The attack took place during the voting for the Khalistan independence referendum, which was organised for the proscribed terrorist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on January 29. The attack was strongly condemned by the Ministry of External Affairs.

"Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an affray at the Khalistan Referendum at Federation Square on 29 Jan. Police have released images of six men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries," a tweet by the Victoria Police read.

The police had in a statement on March 20 sought public assistance for information on six Khalistani elements who were involved in the attack.

"Police were in attendance at a Khalistan Referendum event at Federation Square on 29 January when two fights broke out, one at about 12.45pm and the other at about 4.30 pm," the police said.

"During the fight, flag poles were used by several men as weapons which caused physical injuries to multiple victims. Two victims, one with a laceration to their head and another with a hand injury, were treated at the scene by paramedics," the police also said.

"An Indian flag was also burnt by a group of men. In both incidents, police quickly responded to separate and disperse the crowd. OC spray was used in the second incident to separate the fighting men," it added.

The Victoria Police claimed that two accused were arrested on January 29 and efforts were underway to nab the other accused persons.

"Investigators have released images of six men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries," the police added.

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi had raised concerns about such attacks on the Indian diaspora and Hindu community with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese.

There has been a rise in attacks by these Khalistani elements in foreign countries off late. These come in the wake of reports that the ISI has been urging and funding such elements to carry out such attacks in a bid to rake up the Khalistan movement in Punjab.

The Punjab Police on the other hand is involved in an operation to nab self-styled Khalistan hero, Amritpal Singh. In all the investigations, it has come to light that these elements are under the direct control of Pakistan.