On November 3, 2024, a gang of men holding pro-Khalistani flags attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Road in Brampton, Canada, in an astonishing incident. Targeting devotees, the incident has sparked general indignation and highlighted continuous conflicts between the Hindu population in Canada and the Khalistani movement.
Details of the Incident
The violent incident happened at a consular camp set up by the Indian High Commission to help elderly people in the neighborhood. The assailants broke through attendees and damaged property, therefore upsetting the celebration despite earlier calls for sufficient security precautions. Virally shared on social media, videos of the event show a gang of men with sticks assaulting followers outside the temple.
Government Reactions
The incident has been denounced by the Indian government, which also expresses great regret over the insufficient protection given by Canadian authorities. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) questioned the security plans set for the event and underlined the necessity of safety for all participants.
“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday,” Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesman said.
Declaring that every Canadian has the right to freely and securely exercise their religion, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly denounced the violence. He appreciated the Peel Regional Police’s quick reaction in safeguarding the neighbourhood and looking into the event. Still, the authorities have not assigned responsibility for the violence; no arrests have been made so far.
Growing Violence Against Hindu Temples
The incident fits a troubling pattern of rising violence directed against Canadian Hindu temples. Recent years have seen many cases of destruction and shooting directed at Hindu temples. Strong responses to these events from the Indian population living in Canada have demanded improved security policies and protection.
Concerns from Canadian Lawmakers
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… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024
Declaring the latest incident unacceptable, Canadian MP Chandra Arya speculated that Khalistani radicals could have entered Canadian law enforcement. Under the cover of freedom of speech, he attacked the laxity given toward these radicals, voicing questions over their increasing audacity.
Arya said that Khalistani radicals had breached a “red line,” therefore underscoring the emergence of overt violent extremism in Canada.
Implications for the Indian Community
The latest attack on the Hindu temple is seen as an attack on the Indian population living in Canada directly. Previously alert against Hindu holidays like Diwali, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a renowned Khalistani activist had threatened disturbance at temples.
The strikes show a larger strategy to scare the Hindu community and intensify anti-Indian feelings among the people living in Canada.
Was @PeelPolice sergeant Harinder Sohi leading K-Group Mob at Brampton Temple Attack ?? pic.twitter.com/1Yt0Awagx5
— Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) November 4, 2024
Diplomatic Tensions Between India and Canada
Declaring that their safety was jeopardized by Canadian activities, the Indian government has recalled its High Commissioner and many ambassadors from Canada while the crisis develops. The continuous conflicts between the two nations have sparked questions over the direction of India-Canada ties as well as the protection of the Indian population living in Canada.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Attacks on the Hindu Sabha Mandir have sent out a tsunami of indignation and cries for justice. Along with sympathizers globally, the Indian community in Canada is calling for responsibility and more forceful policies to preserve religious freedom and safety for everyone.
