In a development that has raised eyebrows and diplomatic concerns, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was reportedly barred from entering the Glasgow Gurdwara by Sikh individuals, according to foreign media reports.
Following the incident, Doraiswami chose not to engage in a confrontation and opted to leave the premises. The matter has since been brought to the attention of both the UK Foreign Office and local law enforcement.
This incident comes at a sensitive juncture in diplomatic relations between India and Canada, marked by escalating tensions after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
A video, purportedly posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK,’ captured the moment when an individual obstructed Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurdwara, located on Albert Drive.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the incident. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa underscored the principle that gurdwaras are open to individuals of all religions and communities, emphasizing the Sikh community’s commitment to humanity.
“I strongly condemn the reported incident where Vikram Doraiswami was allegedly prevented from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. Gurdwaras are open to people of all religions and communities. We are not a religion that advocates violence; rather, we are known as the saviors of humanity. Sikhs are represented worldwide, and the safest place for Sikhs is in India,” stated BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
This incident has drawn attention not only for the diplomatic sensitivities it raises but also for the larger questions it raises about religious freedom and inclusivity.