A recent violent incident at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada, has left the Indo-Canadian community outraged. Onlookers and security footage showed a group of men storming the temple near Toronto, allegedly assaulting devotees in what is being condemned as an act of “anti-India extremism.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quickly condemned the attack, emphasizing every Canadian’s right to freely and safely practice their faith, and thanking local police for their rapid response to secure the area.
Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya expressed his concern, noting that the attack crossed a “red line.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Arya remarked, “The attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen this violent extremism has become in Canada.” This incident, Chandra Arya noted, signals that extremist elements have become alarmingly emboldened within the country.
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
The Indian embassy, voicing its disappointment over the incident, reported that “anti-India elements” were responsible for orchestrating the violence, which disrupted a consular camp held in cooperation with the temple. Despite the disruption, the consulate managed to process over 1,000 life certificates for Indian and Canadian applicants.
Arya also raised serious concerns over potential infiltration by extremist elements within Canadian law enforcement, echoing accusations from Indian authorities that Canada may provide a haven for extremists. He urged Hindu-Canadians to demand accountability from politicians for their safety and the protection of their rights.
The incident adds fuel to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following Trudeau’s allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known Khalistani separatist. India has categorically denied these claims, calling them “baseless.” Last month, in response to escalating diplomatic strains, India withdrew its top diplomats from Canada, citing concerns over the safety of its representatives.
