Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the recent "deliberate attack" on a Hindu temple in Brampton in the Canadian province of Ontario, calling the violence "cowardly attempts" to intimidate Indian diplomats in that country.

"I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

This is PM Modi's first official statement against the ongoing violence against Indians by pro-Khalistani supporters in Canada.

The remarks came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian government "condemns acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists", and called on the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to ensure that all places of worship are adequately protected.

"We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randir Jaiswal said while addressing a press conference.

Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan.

Some videos also showed fist fights and people striking each other with flagpoles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir.

Source: India Today