Indian-origin man forcibly removed from stage as his comments spark cheers, boos from crowd

An Indian-origin man was briefly allowed to speak at an anti-immigration rally in Australia on September 1 before being forcibly removed from the stage as his comments sparked both cheers and boos from the crowd.

Dressed in a yellow T-shirt with “Australia” printed across it, the man was introduced by one of the organisers with the words, “He looks like a foreigner. He said he would like to speak.” Taking the microphone, he began: “Yes, I am a brown man. Yes, I’m an immigrant from India, but I came here for the right reason. What I see happening today—this is not immigration. This is an open-door policy. They are not blending into our culture; they are twisting it.”

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Before he could continue, he was shoved aside and the microphone taken from him. Despite the interruption, he managed to add: “Immigration is about not taking but giving. Not demanding but respecting.”

The incident was captured in a video that has since circulated widely online has gone viral.

The rally was part of the “March for Australia” protests held nationwide, where demonstrators voiced opposition to what they called unsustainable levels of immigration.

Organisers highlighted the sharp rise in migration from India since 2020, claiming it had surpassed the post-war influx of Greeks and Italians.

On its official website, March for Australia stated: “Australia’s unity and shared values have been eroded by policies and movements that divide us. Mass migration has torn at the bonds that held our communities together.”

The Australian government has distanced itself from the rallies. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the events, saying: “There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion. We stand with modern Australia against these rallies—nothing could be less Australian.”

The protests come amid a broader political debate over migration policy. Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price recently faced criticism after suggesting the government was favouring "Labor-leaning" migrant communities such as Indians. Following backlash, she clarified her remarks: “Indian migrants who have come to Australia have a strong record of integration, embracing our values, working hard in many fields, and becoming cherished and loyal Australian citizens. My own children share Indian ancestry, and I deeply value my friendships within the Indian and Sikh communities.”