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According to The Australia Today, the Australian Defence Force spokesperson in a statement conceded that they had identified an internal process issue and are working to address it. It noted:
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“While the attendance of the ADF personnel at this event was well-intentioned, it has identified some internal process issues around attendance at community events and a requirement for further awareness training, both of which are being addressed.”
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PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Australia has become pro-active after the Indian government raised concerns about activities of anti-India elements in Australia. Australian officials have started working to look into the “Khalistan referendum” matter, reported ANI.
The Indian government had raised concerns about the growing Khalistani divisive activities in multiple capital cities of Australia and one of the officials in the meeting said, “Allegations of some overseas players entering into Australia and running a malicious campaign with elements of possibly violent past are very concerning to us,” the ANI report quoted The Australia Today.
During the meeting with Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil, officials also said that they respected the freedom of speech but now it looks like something was not going right.
The Australia Today report said that the Department of Home Affairs of Australia was examining the visa conditions of some Khalistani overseas players who are actively involved in a proposed Khalistan referendum to be held in Melbourne. In the meeting, the Indian government officials strongly advised the Albanese government that this could lead to violence toward Indian Australians.
In the social media space, “The Last Battle to kill Indian-Hindutva system” along with pictures of Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh have been circulating. These are being viewed as Khalistani propaganda posters.
Another poster with Australian phone numbers accused Hindu mobs of killing an infant of a Sikh Army officer. A representative of the Hindu Council of Australia told The Australia Today, “Concerned community members have reached out to them as they live around the route of the proposed Khalistan Referendum Car rally.”
During the meeting with Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil, officials also said that they respected the freedom of speech but now it looks like something was not going right
“Tens of thousands of Hindu families living in Melbourne’s western suburbs of Tarneit are scared of not only their wellbeing but also their properties.”
In November 2022, members of the Indian-Australian community in Victoria were left shocked and deeply disturbed to see Khalistani flags, booklets and T-shirts distributed and displayed at the Nagar Kirtan/Humanity Walk organised by the Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council (VSGC), as per The Australia Today.
Earlier in June 2022, members of the Indian-Australian community were upset to see the Australian Defence Force marquee at the Griffith Sikh Games where Khalistani banners, posters and flags were displayed.
According to The Australia Today, the Australian Defence Force spokesperson in a statement conceded that they had identified an internal process issue and are working to address it. It noted: “While the attendance of the ADF personnel at this event was well-intentioned, it has identified some internal process issues around attendance at community events and a requirement for further awareness training, both of which are being addressed.”
After this news, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the matter had been taken with the Australian government. “We came to know there was an instance. We have taken it up with the Australian government. It pertained to some soldiers of Australia. Talks are being held, don’t have more details,” Bagchi said during the weekly media briefing way back in July.
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