Khalistan referendum call has no legal standing in Australia: Envoy O'Farrell

The Australian High Commissioner added that the Khalistan Referendum stands on no legal grounds in Australia as his country has an "unwavering respect" for India's sovereignty, reports ANI

Barry O'Farrell was quoted as saying by ANI, "Respect for Indian sovereignty is unwavering. The so-called Khalistan referendum call has no legal standing in Australia."

"Most appalled to see temples being targeted, police are active and continue to be active to deal with those responsible," the Australian High Commissioner to India said further.

Recently, suspected Khalistani elements attacked the Indian Consulate in Brisbane.

Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane Archana Singh found the Khalistan flag attached to the office when she arrived on 22nd February, reports The Australia Today.

Singh immediately notified the Queensland Police, which on arrival confiscated the flag and swept the Honorary Consulate of India to clear of any immediate threat, the news portal reported.

Archana Singh told The Australia Today, “Police is surveilling the area to keep us safe. We have Strong faith in police authority.”

Apart from the attack on the Brisbane consulate, a Hindu temple in the city was also targeted by pro-Khalistani supporters.

The boundary wall of the temple was allegedly vandalised by the attackers.

Temple President Satinder Shukla told The Australia Today, “Temple Priest and devotees called this morning and notified me about the vandalism on the boundary wall of our temple.”

The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign state, called Khālistān.