Even as the Glasgow Gurdwara issued a statement strongly condemning the disruption caused by pro-Khalistan extremists who blocked Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami from attending a planned meeting in the city, a British Sikh family is in fear for their lives after being attacked at their home in London.
Harman Singh Kapoor, the proprietor of Rangrez – a Punjabi restaurant, has been an outspoken critic of extremism and has previously suffered an attack on his place of work. This week, extremists targeted his home by splashing red paint on his cars parked outside and then came back to also fire a shot at one of the cars.
“CCTV footage has been sent to police who will be looking into the matter at hand,” said Kapoor.
British Indian diaspora organisations are urging the UK government and police to take tough action against extremists, who have been targeting the family since last year.
“We want the police to explain why they haven't offered the British Sikh family any safety,” questioned Insight UK.
The incident came as extremists targeted Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha and attempted to violently force open the Indian High Commissioner’s car door during a visit on September 29.
Glasgow Gurdwara said in a statement over the weekend: “Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt the visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises.
“After the departure of the visitors, these unruly individuals continued to disturb the gurdwara congregation. Police Scotland was in attendance thereafter and have taken cognisance of the matter. Glasgow Gurdwara strongly condemns such disorderly behaviour to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship.
“The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith.”
The High Commission of India in London has since raised the matter with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Metropolitan Police.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Foreign Office minister for Indo-Pacific, said: “Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami, was stopped from meeting with the Gurudwara Committee at the Gurudwara in Glasgow.
“The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all.”