Pro-Khalistan protest disrupts Indians’ 79th Independence Day celebration in Melbourne

India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations in Melbourne were briefly disrupted on Friday by a group of pro-Khalistan supporters. Members of the Indian community had gathered outside the Indian consulate to hoist the Tricolour and sing patriotic songs when the protesters waved Khalistan flags, leading to a verbal confrontation. Local authorities intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.

A video from the scene shows the pro-Khalistan supporters displaying flags in opposition to the Indian national celebration while authorities separated the two groups. Despite the disruption, the ceremony continued, and the Tricolour was later hoisted amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” from the Indian nationals present.

The protest follows a rise in pro-Khalistan activities across Australia. Last month, Melbourne’s Swaminarayan Temple and two Asian restaurants were defaced with hate graffiti, including a portrait of Adolf Hitler accompanied by racial slurs. Authorities investigated the incidents as potential hate crimes.

Recent months have also seen attacks against Indians in other Australian cities. In Adelaide, an Indian man was assaulted over a parking dispute in what was investigated as a racially motivated incident. In 2024, clashes occurred between pro-Khalistan supporters and Indian cricket fans during the fourth test match between India and Australia.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended greetings to Indians in Australia and worldwide on Independence Day. “Congratulations to everyone in Australia and around the world celebrating India's Independence Day,” he said. Quoting India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Albanese added, “As the Tiranga flies proudly around the world, Indians can reflect with joy on all their nation has achieved in the 78 years since that extraordinary midnight that ushered in what then Prime Minister Nehru termed ‘the day appointed by destiny.’”