Khalistani Activists Desecrate Indian Flag at Embassy in Croatia, India Condemns

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India has strongly condemned the vandalisation of its national flag at the Indian embassy in Croatia by Khalistani activists. The incident occurred on January 22, just days before the India-EU Summit in New Delhi, where European leaders will be in attendance. According to a video posted online by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani activist replaced the Indian flag with the yellow Khalistan flag. The move is seen as part of a series of actions by anti-India elements targeting Indian missions abroad, with most incidents reported from Canada, the UK, and the US. The external affairs ministry has taken up the matter with Croatian authorities, both in New Delhi and Zagreb, and urged them to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. The ministry noted that under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic premises are inviolable and must be protected. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats and missions abroad. The SFJ and its leader Pannun have been accused of violent protests, vandalisation, and intimidation of Indian diplomats. India has formally complained about their activities to authorities in several countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. The incident also raises questions about the intentions of Khalistani activists, who have been linked to terrorist activities. Their claims that Punjab will become independent and the Indian flag will be replaced with the Khalistan flag have been met with strong condemnation from the Indian government. The European Council president and European Commission president are set to attend the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, where they will be the chief guests. The incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Indian diplomats and missions abroad, and the need for international cooperation to tackle the growing threat of extremism.