Khalistani extremists attack Hindu temple in Canada; Trudeau calls it unacceptable

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on a Hindu temple on Monday Brampton by claimed Khalistani extremists and said every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said a protest took place at a Hindu temple in Brampton and that unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian broadcaster reported.

The videos appear to show fistfights and people hitting each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report said.

Trudeau went to X and thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate 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 responding quickly to protect the community and investigate this incident investigations,” Trudeau said in a message on X on Monday.

Peel Regional Police said on Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest that took place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased their presence at the temple to maintain law and order and security.

“We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X on Sunday after the videos began circulating.

“Those who do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a post Sunday afternoon and said those responsible should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Religious freedom is a fundamental value Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship.”

The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton led to widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians, including opposition leaders Pierre Poilievre.

“Completely unacceptable to see violence against worshipers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should have the freedom to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives unequivocally condemn this violence. I will unite our people and put an end to the chaos,” Poilievre said on X.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton by ‘anti-India’ elements.

The incident disrupted a consular event co-organized by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian Consulate.

In its statement, the High Commission noted: “We witnessed today (November 3) violent disruptions orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-hosted with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.”

The statement further added, “We also remain deeply concerned about the safety of the applicants, including Indian nationals, at whose request such events are being organized in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-Indian elements, our consulate was able to issue more than just 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants…”

Relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

New Delhi dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd”.

India has maintained that the main issue between the two countries is Canada’s giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating with impunity from Canadian soil.