Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, prompting questions over security arrangements at the high-security religious site. According to Kashmir Media Service, Sergio Gor visited the Golden Temple to pay obeisance. During his visit, Sikh activists staged a demonstration outside the shrine and raised pro-Khalistan slogans.

The incident occurred at a sensitive and heavily secured location in Amritsar while the US envoy was visiting the Sikh community’s holiest shrine. The demonstration and the raising of Khalistan slogans have drawn attention to security arrangements surrounding the visit of a senior foreign diplomat. The incident also comes amid continuing political sensitivities surrounding the Khalistan issue and activities by groups advocating a separate Sikh state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government over the incident. BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh asked where the Punjab Intelligence Bureau was when the demonstration took place and said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must explain how Khalistan activists were able to stage such a protest. Singh also alleged that political considerations could not be allowed to compromise Punjab’s peace and security.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)