Brampton temple attack: India asks Canada to ‘prosecute those involved in violence’

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the violence committed by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton on November 4. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called on the Canadian government to prosecute those involved in the violence.

“We condemn the acts of violence committed by extremists and separatists yesterday at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected against such attacks. “We expect those responsible for the violence to be held accountable,” he said.

Jaiswal expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens in Canada, confirming that the efforts of Consular officials to assist Indian and Canadian citizens cannot be thwarted by threats or violence.

Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with attendees at the temple, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to condemn the violence, affirming that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

On November 3, Peel Regional Police reported a protest took place at the Hindu Sabha Temple, with unverified social media videos showing demonstrators waving banners supporting Khalistan.

As reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the videos depicted fights and clashes on temple grounds.

In a post about X, Trudeau thanked local authorities for acting quickly to protect the community and investigate the incident.

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today is unacceptable. Every Canadian should be able to practice their faith freely and safely. “We thank Peel Regional Police for their rapid response to protect the community and investigate this incident,” he wrote.

The attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple was widely condemned by Canadian politicians, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.

“It is completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshipers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Bramton. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith peacefully. Conservatives publicly condemn this violence. I will unite our people and put an end to the chaos,” Poilievre wrote on X.

“Today (November 3), we witnessed a violent disruption by anti-India elements outside the consular camp held jointly with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton near Toronto,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement.

The statement continued: “We are also very concerned about the safety of applicants, including Indian citizens, for whom such events are organised. “Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate managed to issue over 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants.”

Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations last September of India’s potential role in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which New Delhi described as “nonsense”.