In a shocking incident at the Hicksville Gurudwara in New York’s Long Island, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the United States, fell victim to the disruptive actions of Khalistani extremists during a visit to offer prayers on Gurpurab. The reprehensible act, captured on camera and widely circulated, highlights the alarming intrusion of political extremism into what should be sacred and peaceful places of worship.
The video reveals a group of pro-Khalistanis aggressively voicing support for individuals labeled as terrorists by India, namely Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The protesters, shouting in Punjabi, accused Ambassador Sandhu of involvement in a supposed plot to assassinate Nijjar and conspiring against Pannun, escalating a situation that eventually forced the envoy to hastily leave the gurdwara.
Very unfortunate incident in America 🇺🇸 to insult Hon.Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.He has strong background with History!
— Gurdeep Singh Randhawa (@CDURandhawaG) November 27, 2023
Who can give u respect if you dishonor an Indian Diplomat at Gurudwara Sahib! Who is behind or responsible must Apologize.@IndianDiplomacy🇮🇳
pic.twitter.com/RsH4DyrgUp
The video also showcased the efforts of others within the gurudwara attempting to defuse the volatile situation, underscoring the disconcerting reality that even places of worship are not immune to the divisive agendas of extremists.
One of the leaders of the pro-Khalistani group, Himmat Singh, accused Ambassador Sandhu of India’s involvement in the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the former President of Surrey Gurdwara and coordinator for the Canadian Chapter of the Khalistan Referendum. These baseless accusations further emphasize the extent to which political motivations are infiltrating the sanctity of religious spaces.
Ambassador Sandhu, despite the unsettling encounter, maintained his composure and later shared pictures from his visit to the gurudwara on social media. However, he refrained from mentioning the heckling incident he had faced.
Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, & equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all. pic.twitter.com/i45M2TuSdf
— Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) November 27, 2023
“Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab – listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, and equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all,” wrote the Ambassador of India to the US.
This regrettable episode underscores the need for vigilance and international cooperation to counteract the growing influence of extremist ideologies, even within spaces traditionally regarded as sacred and apolitical. The desecration of gurudwaras by those pursuing a divisive agenda is a cause for concern that demands collective action to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces worldwide.
