Pro-Khalistan Sikh demonstrators staged a protest outside Madison Square Garden in New York against the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat to the United States.

The protesters chanted slogans against the Indian government and its policies of Hindu nationalism.

They also expressed serious concerns over alleged discrimination against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians in India, as well as the country's human rights situation.

General Counsel of pro-Khalistan organisation Sikhs for Justice, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, accused the leadership of the RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party of seeking to turn India into a "Hindu Rashtra."

He referred to the 1984 Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple, the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992, and violence against Christians in Manipur.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun also alleged that Indian state institutions have been used against Sikhs, Muslims and Christians.