Scotland gurdwara condemns ‘unknown, unruly individuals’ for disrupting Indian envoy visit

The Indian High Commission said that three people from areas outside Scotland disrupted the planned interaction to discuss community and consular issues

The gurdwara in Scotland, which was the scene of disruption by Khalistani extremists who blocked a planned visit of Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami, has strongly condemned the “disorderly behaviour” and said that the local police are investigating the matter.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, the Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha said the "unknown" and "unruly" individuals disturbed the peace at a place of worship and attempted to disrupt the personal visit of the envoy facilitated by a member of the Scottish Parliament.

It followed the High Commission of India in London’s statement that said the U.K. Foreign Office and Metropolitan Police have been upraised of the “disgraceful incident” after violent force was also used at the diplomat's car during the disruption on Friday afternoon.

“Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt the visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises,” the gurdwara statement noted.

“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,” it said.

Earlier on Saturday, the Indian High Commission said that three people from areas outside Scotland disrupted the planned interaction to discuss community and consular issues.