US: Indian Embassy condemns attack on journalist by Khalistani supporters
Washington: The Indian Embassy in the US has condemned the attack on a Washington DC-based Indian journalist by suspected Khalistani forces.
In a statement, the Embassy said: " We have seen disturbing visuals of a senior Indian journalist from the Press Trust of India being abused, threatened & assaulted physically while covering so called ‘Khalistan protest’ in Washington DC earlier today."
"We understand that the journalist was first verbally intimidated, then physically assaulted, and fearing for his personal safety and well being, had to call in law enforcement agencies, who responded promptly," read the statement.
"We condemn such a grave and unwarranted attack on a senior journalist. Such activities only underscore the violent and anti-social tendencies of the so called ‘Khalistani protestors’ and their supporters, who routinely engage in wanton violence and vandalism," the statement further said.
The Embassy also thanked law enforcement agencies for their prompt response in the matter.
Thank you @SecretService 4 my protection 2day 4 helping do my job, otherwise I would have been writing this from hospital. The gentleman below hit my left ear with these 2 sticks & earlier I had to call 9/11 & rushed 2 police van 4 safety fearing physical assault👇. pic.twitter.com/IVcCeP5BPG
— Lalit K Jha ललित के झा (@lalitkjha) March 25, 2023
Meanwhile, journalist Lalit Jha, who was attacked by Khalistani supporters, tweeted a video of the incident.
He wrote: "Thank you @SecretService 4 my protection 2day 4 helping do my job, otherwise I would have been writing this from hospital. The gentleman below hit my left ear with these 2 sticks & earlier I had to call 9/11 & rushed 2 police van 4 safety fearing physical assault