Khalistani extremists allegedly attack devotees at Hindu temple in Canada, Indian High Commission denounces incident

A group of individuals, purportedly Khalistani radicals, attacked devotees at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, on Nov 3. Videos of a group of men holding Khalistani flags and beating people with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir are going viral on social media.

At the time of the incident, the temple was hosting a consular camp co-organized by the Indian High Commission. The celebration was disrupted by a mob that targeted Hindus, including women and children, while holding sticks and banners linked to pro-Khalistan organizations.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa condemned the Brampton attack. "As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organized consular camps during this period for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian)," the High Commission said in a statement shared on X.

"Due to 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," it added.

"We witnessed a violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions allowed for routine consular work organized by our consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers,” the post continued.

“We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, for whom these events are organized," the High Commission said.

"Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants. There were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on Nov 2-3," the High Commission added.

Considering these incidents and the threats made against Indian diplomats, it was further said that local authorities' security measures will be necessary to organize more scheduled consular camps. "If any camp is deemed infeasible due to such disruptions, alternative arrangements will be made to provide those services, which may unfortunately inconvenience local users," the High Commission said.

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, called the "acts of violence" at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton intolerable.

Sharing a post on X, Trudeau wrote, "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 swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate the incident," he added.

Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, announced that he would present a proposal to the City Council to consider outlawing protests at places of worship.

“Places of worship should be safe spaces that are free of violence and intimidation. I have asked our city solicitor to look into the legality of such a bylaw for our next scheduled meeting of the City Council," he wrote on X.

Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament from Canada, condemned the violence, saying that Khalistani extremists had crossed a "red line."

Sharing a video of the incident on X, Arya wrote, “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack on Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada."

“I begin to feel that there is a grain of truth in the reports that, in addition to the Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated our law enforcement agencies,” he added.

He further expressed concerns that Khalistani extremists are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of freedom of expression.

“As I have been saying for a long time, Hindu-Canadians need to step up for the security and safety of our community, assert their rights, and hold politicians accountable," Arya wrote.

Pierre Poilievre, the Canadian opposition leader, denounced the Khalistani extremists' attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, emphasizing that everyone in Canada ought to be allowed to practice their religion peacefully.

Ruby Sahota, a Canadian Member of Parliament for Brampton North, said, “I am troubled to hear about the recent acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and respected in their places of worship. There is no room for such actions in our society, and I strongly denounce this violence.”

“I have spoken with Police Chief Nishan and have confidence that Peel Regional Police will act swiftly to protect our community and hold those responsible to account. Threats to our community’s peace and security will not be tolerated, and those involved should face the fullest consequences of the law,” she added.

"Violence and intimidation have no place in our community, where peace, unity, and mutual respect are the values we hold dear," the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council said while condemning the incident.

"OSGC strongly condemns the incident of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Rd. in Brampton. Places of worship should be sacred spaces for meditation, spirituality, and communal integration, free of violence and interruptions."

Meanwhile, pro-Khalistan activists claimed that miscreants were harassing and intimidating Sikhs who had gathered in Brampton to mourn the 1984 tragedy.

Maxime Bernier, head of the People's Party of Canada (PPC), posted a video on X showing Khalistani extremists abusing Hindu worshippers at the temple, saying that such an act cannot dissuade Canadians because diversity is the country's strength.

He added, "Khalistani Sikhs are attacking worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple. Nothing to worry about, though, because DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH!!!"

The Hindu Forum Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of Hindus in Canada, condemned the attack and urged Prime Minister Trudeau to combat Khalistani extremism and protect Canadian citizens.

The Hindu Forum Canada also shared a video on X, saying, "Very disturbing images! #Khalistanis have attacked devotees at #HinduSabhaTemple, Brampton. This is unacceptable! @PeelPolice @patrickbrownont @JustinTrudeau @fordnation - Take action and protect Canadians."

Kevin Vuong, a Toronto MP, strongly denounced such attacks, claiming that "Canada has become a safe harbor for radicals" and that the country's leaders have failed to protect Hindus as they have failed to safeguard Christians and Jews.

Sharing a post on X, Vuong wrote, "Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. Canada has become a safe harbor for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have failed to safeguard Christians and Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace."

Peel Police officers reportedly used force and assaulted members of the crowd, including those waving the Indian Tricolor, according to a video shared by journalist Daniel Bordman on X.

Bordman noted that the officers were at the temple to restore order following clashes between Khalistani sympathizers and members of the Hindu community but were seen "punching" templegoers and "beating them with batons," seemingly without provocation.

In the footage, one woman points out a bearded officer, accusing him of assaulting people and criticizing the police for allegedly targeting only Hindu community members while shielding Khalistani protesters.

Chief Nishan Duraiappah said, “We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts. Those who participate in such activities will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”

Peel Regional Police in Canada said that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism will be investigated. The police claimed they had increased their presence to monitor and respond to any illegal activities.

Peel Regional Police addressed the protest on X, noting that their presence at the temple has been increased to maintain public order.

A temple in Windsor was defaced with anti-India graffiti last year, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for action from Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier attacks in Mississauga and Brampton similarly targeted temples, drawing significant outrage from Canada's Indian community.