US condemns vandalism of Indian Consulate General in San Francisco by Khalistani elements

New Delhi, Mar 21 (Agency) The US termed as “unacceptable” and has condemned the vandalisation by Khalistani supporters of the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco and said the State Department Security Service is working with local authorities to investigate the incident. White House spokesperson John Kirby, in his daily briefing while answering a question related to the vandalism, said: “We — we certainly condemn that — that vandalism. It’s just absolutely unacceptable. The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service is working with local authorities.“I can’t speak for the San Francisco police, but I can say that the Diplomatic Security Service is working with local authorities to properly investigate. And obviously, State Department is going to be working, from an infrastructure perspective, to repair the damage. But it’s unacceptable.” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a tweet also condemned the vandalism. “We condemn the acts of violence against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. We are committed to the safety and security of these facilities and the diplomats who work within them.

The State Department is in touch with local law enforcement on next steps in this matter.” On Monday India conveyed its strong protest to the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi over the vandalization of the property of the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco by Khalistani supporters.An official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said that India also reminded the US government of its basic obligation to protect and secure diplomatic representation, and take appropriate measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. In San Francisco, a large group of raucous Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian Consulate General building after the Indian staff removed the Khalistani flags planted there. They painted anti-India graffiti on the walls and tried to break the doors and windows, according to videos of the incident seen on social media.The incident came a day after Khalistani miscreants vandalised the Indian High Commission in London and removed the Indian national flag and attempted to put their Khalistani flag in its place. India conveyed its strong protest to the UK in the matter. The vandalism by Khalistani supporters comes amid the police action to arrest pro-Khalistani activist Amritpal Singh in Punjab.