India on Monday condemned the violence by pro-Khalistan radicals at a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton and called on the Justin Trudeau government to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.
“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries regarding the violence.
He said that India expects that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted.
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” added Jaiswal.
On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest took place at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan and attacking devotees outside the temple, reported Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added.
The incident triggered condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.
Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.
“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 said in a post on X on Monday.
Condemning the violent acts against Hindus, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya said that Khalistani extremists have “crossed the red line."
“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,” Arya posted on X along with sharing the video of the incident.
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. 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.