‘Deeply Disturbing’, Says India After Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada By ‘Pro-Khalistani’ Mob
New Delhi: Condemning the attack by a pro-Khalistani mob at a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton, India on Monday said it was ‘deeply disturbing’ to witness that such acts were being allowed in the country during routine consular work.
“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,” a statement from the Indian consulate read.
PRESS RELEASE
“Violent disruption outside consular camp in Brampton, Ontario (Nov 3)”@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/V7QNMmA4eR
— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) November 4, 2024
“On account of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work,” it added.
A viral video of the incident on social media shows a group of men armed with sticks attacking devotees outside the temple. They were also carrying flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, women and children were among those attacked.
We strongly condemn the violent attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple by Khalistani extremists. This unprovoked assault threatens not only Hindu-Canadian devotees but the very fabric of Canada’s social harmony. Hindus and Sikhs share a deep bond rooted in shared culture and… pic.twitter.com/WLHoQzRcWq
— Hindu Sikh Forum Canada (@HinduSikhCanada) November 4, 2024
Meanwhile, Chandra Arya, a federal lawmaker and member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party, accused the “Khalistanis” for the attack. He said a “red line has been crossed’ by Khalistani extremists, the Hindustan Times reported.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.
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… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024
According to the spokesperson for Peel Regional Police, as quoted by AFP, there had been no arrests made so far.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Prime Minister has also condemned the attack on the temple, and dubbed it as ‘unacceptable.’ “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. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,”Trudeau wrote in a post on X.
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.
Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024