India on Monday condemned violence that took place outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton and called the incident ‘deeply disturbing.’
A violent group of men, carrying flags of pro-Khalistani groups, were seen attacking devotees with sticks outside the temple videos that went viral on social media platforms.
“As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organized/plan consular camps during this period, for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian). 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. We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto,” High Commission of India in Ottawa said in its official statement.
“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,” the High Commission added.
Earlier, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also condemned the attack and said that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely .
“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,” said Trudeau in a post on X.
However, he came under fire as opposition MP Chandra Arya alleged that extremists are getting a free pass in Canada under the ‘freedom of expression’ extremists are getting a free pass in Canada.
“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 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,” he said in a post on X.
” 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also condemned the violence and requested local authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident.
“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. 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,” said OSGC in its statement.