NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Police arrested a protester who supports Khalistan in an effort to stop an effort to disrupt the visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a community event in New York City. The arrest came as Modi’s visit to the United States continues amid heightened tensions, as debates flare over India’s policies and the Khalistan movement.
The protester, whose identity is not known yet, was arrested close to where Modi was going to make his speech. Police had prior information of a possible rally and made pre-emptive moves to ensure that the gathering went through peacefully.
“Public safety is our number one concern, and we will not accept anything to threaten the peaceful assemblies,” said a New York Police official. “We will ensure the exercise of freedom of speech by anyone while making sure of everyone’s safety involved.”
Khalistani activists have made loud statements calling for an independent Sikh state. There have been protests as Modi visited cities, one of which is largely representative of a polarized populace who have opinions on what the Prime Minister’s policies entail concerning human rights and freedom of speech in India.
Local Sikh organizations have had mixed reactions to the protests. Some sympathize with the Khalistani movement, yet others claim that such demonstrations may trivialize the much bigger problems the Sikh community is facing. “We need to look for constructive methods to redress our issues other than causing a commotion,” said a representative of a local Sikh advocacy group.
Security around the venue has been beefed up, and police officials along with federal agencies are present to monitor the event.
