The High Commission of India in Ottawa, on Monday, released a statement, voicing serious concern over a violent disruption allegedly orchestrated by pro-Khalistani supporters outside a consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. The incident has sparked public outrage and raised calls for action.
"We have seen violent disruption today orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto", it noted in its official release.
The High Commission expressed disappointment over such disruptions occurring during a routine consular operation, which had been organised in full collaboration with local partners. This event was intended to facilitate consular services for the Indian community.
It stated, "It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants..."
Early in the day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on Hindu devotees at the temple, labeling it "unacceptable" and underscoring the importance of religious freedom in Canada.
Taking to microblogging site X to condemn the incident, the Canadian PM wrote, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable". "Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely." He also thanked the police for their prompt response and commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly.
Brampton’s Peel Regional Police, who deployed a significant number of officers to maintain order outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, reported no arrests as of Monday and have not confirmed the identities of those responsible for the violence. The clashes reportedly took place during a protest, where videos circulating on social media showed individuals waving yellow Khalistan flags and clashing with others holding Indian flags. Some footage captured instances of fistfights and individuals wielding sticks near the temple.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya, a member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party, condemned the incident, attributing the violence to Khalistani extremists.
"A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today," Arya stated on X, calling it a brazen display of pro-Khalistani extremism in Canada. Arya expressed concerns that pro-Khalistani elements may have even influenced Canada’s political and law enforcement systems, pointing to what he described as a growing threat.
Taking to microblogging site X, he wrote, "A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today".
He further noted, "The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada".
"I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies," also stated the Canadian MP, further adding, "No wonder that under the 'freedom of expression' Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada.
As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and asserts their rights and hold politicians accountable".
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC), on Monday, also condemned the violence and urged for a 'thorough investigation' into the incident. In a statement, the OSGC expressed that the incident serves as a distressing reminder of the importance of understanding and mutual respect within the community.
"The incident outside the temple is a distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect in our community. OSGC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and supporting an environment where people can feel safe and respected, regardless of their beliefs".
It further noted, "We call upon local authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, reaffirming that violence has no place in our society. We also encourage community leaders and members to come together, support one another, and foster an atmosphere of unity and compassion..."
The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a community organisation, reported that children and women were also affected by Sunday’s violence, highlighting the growing concern over religious safety among Canada’s Indian diaspora.
The incident has flared up already tense relations between India and Canada, which recently hit a low after Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Both countries expelled senior diplomats, further complicating their diplomatic ties.
This attack is the latest in a series of troubling incidents targeting Hindu places of worship in Canada. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor was vandalised with anti-India graffiti, and similar incidents have been reported in Mississauga and Brampton, drawing condemnation from both Indian and Canadian leaders.
(With inputs from agencies)
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