Canadian Hindu Temple Dismisses Priest for Spreading ‘Violent Rhetoric’ After Shootings | World News

A Hindu temple priest in Brampton, Canada, has been suspended after he allegedly made violent remarks during a protest on November 3, leading to clashes between pro-Khalistan demonstrators and others at the Hindu Sabha temple. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters carrying Khalistani flags, clashing with attendees and disrupting the consular event jointly organized by the temple and the Indian Consulate.

According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Hindu Sabha Mandir released a statement on Wednesday announcing the priest’s suspension due to his “questionable involvement” in the incident, but did not provide further details. The temple did not provide additional details regarding the specific comments made by the priest.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called on the community on social media to condemn all forms of violence and hatred. “This is leadership that is helpful. “The vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence,” he said. He added that the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council condemned the violence that broke out at the Hindu Sabha temple that evening.

Emphasizing the importance of unity, Brown urged community members not to react to the provocation: “Remember, we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we cannot allow agitators to fuel the fire of division. Law enforcement will be there to respond.”

The conflict broke out on Sunday afternoon when Justice Sikhs, who support Khalistan, staged a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting the temple. Peel police were dispatched to the scene and intervened to restore order.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident and reaffirmed the right of all Canadians to practice their faith freely and safely. Trudeau expressed satisfaction with the quick response of local authorities to the conflict.

The Government of India also condemned the violence and called for those involved to be prosecuted. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi expressed “deep concern” about the safety of Indian citizens in Canada.

Relations between Canada and India have faced challenges following Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations in September that Indian agents played a “potential” role in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and expressed concern about pro-Khalistan activities in Canada.