Indian High Commission issued a stern statement on Monday expressing deep concern regarding the escalation of violent incidents within Canada after a recent violent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.
The incident occurred close to a consular camp organized by the Indian government to provide routine consular services, including life certificates for Indian and Canadian citizens. According to the High Commission, this is a “disturbing” situation as the anti-India elements are said to be responsible for the attack on the temple.
The Hindu temple attack in Canada has taken diplomatic tension between India and Canada to a new high. Many believe this incident is related to recent friction over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that India was behind the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India has denied these charges. Against this background, the High Commission had requested additional security from the Canadian authorities for the consular camps. However, events at the temple showed that concerns for public safety were well-founded, according to the High Commission.
Despite the attack on the Hindu temple in Canada, the consular team was still able to complete over 1,000 life certificates for applicants. However, similar disruptions were also seen at the consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey. The High Commission said that future camps could get cancelled if local authorities do not improve security measures which might affect access to these services among the Indian diaspora.
Canadian Prime Minister condemns attack on Hindu temple in Brampton
Indian-Canadian leaders, including MP Chandra Arya, condemned the attack on the Hindu temple in Canada and accused pro-Khalistani extremists of being behind the violence. Viral videos reported that attackers were targeting the worshippers. Arya’s claim that “a red line has been crossed” comes into play.
“The attack by Khalistanis on the 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.”
Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the attack while terming the violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir as “unacceptable” and asserted that Canadians have the right to freely practice their faith. Peel Regional Police confirmed the investigation, but no one has been arrested so far. In an X post, Justien penned out:
“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 this incident,
This disturbing and troubling attack on the temple in Canada has raised lots of questions on security around Hindu communities and further strains Indian relations with Canada.