In Brampton, Canada, separatists from Pro khalistan attacked a Hindu temple and interfered with consular activities. As a result of the incident, concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of Indian people as well as the space that is provided to the separatist organization of India
Kolkata: India condemned violence by Pro-Khalistan separatists at a Hindu temple, and their efforts to disrupt Indian consular activities, in Brampton, Canada.
Pro-Khalistan protesters were allegedly seen beating a group of worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in video footage from Sunday’s incident. Canadian MP Chandra Arya said his suspicions about Khalistanis infiltrating Canadian law enforcement have been strengthened after seeing a video allegedly showing police handcuffing and pinning down a Hindu youth. Commentators compared the incident to the George Floyd incident in America.
Arya said the incident represented a “red line” crossed by Khalistani activists against Hindu devotees. He also referred to the aggressive conduct of Brampton police towards Hindus protesting against the attack.
A massive crowd gathered outside ‘Hindu Sabha Mandir’ in Brampton, Canada on Monday night in solidarity with the with the temple and the community after an attack at the same place a day.
A number of arrests were made in relation to the protests in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario, according to Peel regional police. Dilpreet Singh Bouns, 43, Vikas, 23, and Amritpal Singh, 31, were among the four individuals taken into custody. The fourth individual was not named.
A peel regional police officer is on suspension after appearing in videos of a protest at the Hindu Sabha temple. The officer, Sergeant Harinder Sohi, is an 18-year veteran Harinder Sohi, is an 18-year veteran of the force.
After his suspension, Sohi has received death threats on social media, despite the fact that no accusations of misconduct have been filed against him. Sohi is safeguarded and supported by the Peel Regional Police Association.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian govt to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.
This is the second time in recent months that PM Modi has addressed the topic of alleged attacks on Hindus outside of India. In the month of August, PM Modi discussed it with Muhammad Yunus, the main adviser of Bangladesh, about the alleged persecution of Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country following the government transition.
According to the government, New Delhi is still extremely worried about the safety and security of Indian citizens in Canada. It has requested that Canadian authorities make sure that all houses of worship are safe from attacks of this nature. In the midst of its current diplomatic spat with Ottawa, New Delhi has said on multiple occasions that its primary worry with Canada is the amount of space local authorities give pro-Khalistan separatists to target Indian interests.
The Indian government stated in a formal declaration that violence, harassment, and intimidation will not stop Indian embassy staff from reaching out to both Indian and Canadian individuals to offer services.
On this occasion, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, who has been accused of being sympathetic to the Khalistan cause due to vote bank considerations, said on X, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.”
Information regarding the consular camp being held in conjunction with the temple for the benefit of local life certificate recipients had been communicated to Canadian authorities.
“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton city in Ontario, yesterday,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“We call on the govt of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted,” Jaiswal said.
According to Peel Regional Police, a demonstration took place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on Sunday. Unconfirmed videos that have been making the rounds on social media seemed to show protesters brandishing banners supporting Khalistan, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It is disappointing to see such disruptions allowed for routine consular work to be organized with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers,” the Indian High Commission remarked.
“We remain concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants,” it added.
