The United States has condemned violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
In response to a question about the Indian American community in the US living under fear from the few elements, or Khalistani elements, especially in San Francisco after the vandalization of the Indian consulate, Vedant Patel asserted that violence or threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest.
"We condemn the recent violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities in the United States." While addressing the press briefing, he further said, "Look, we support the First Amendment rights of protesters, and we support engagement of free speech activities. However, violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest," he said.
Vedant Patel said that the US Department of State is committed to taking all appropriate measures to protect the safety and security of the diplomatic facilities and employees working there.
"Consistent with our Vienna Convention obligations, the Department is committed to taking all appropriate steps, including coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, to protect the safety and security of these facilities and the diplomatic individuals who work within them as well," Vedant Patel said.
The response from Vedant Patel comes after the pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest.
(ANI)