Brampton, Canada — A violent incident disrupted the tranquility of a Hindu temple in Brampton, near Toronto, when a group of pro-Khalistan activists emerged during a consular camp event organized by the Indian consulate. The incident, which took place on Sunday afternoon, reportedly involved assaults on several attendees and has heightened tensions within the local community.
The protesters, who were reportedly agitating against the presence of Indian officials, forcibly entered the Hindu Sabha Mandir as the consular camp, intended to assist local Indian nationals, was underway. Eyewitness accounts and circulating videos suggest that the demonstrators wielded flagpoles and traffic cones as weapons against the congregants. The violence led to injuries, though specific details on the number of injured or the severity of their injuries remain unclear.
The Indian embassy in Ottawa has condemned the attack, describing it as a “violent disruption by anti-India elements.” In a statement, the embassy expressed concern for the safety of both applicants and officials present at the event. It highlighted similar disruptions at events in Surrey and Vancouver, emphasizing the pattern of such incidents.
Local community members, including someone who identified himself only as Mahavir, reported a rapid community response to defend the temple. Mahavir indicated that the intruders seemed particularly intent on damaging a prominent 55-foot statue of Hanuman, installed at the temple the previous year.
Despite attempts by congregants and some armed individuals to protect the temple, local law enforcement struggled to control the situation initially. Ultimately, a significant gathering of community members managed to outnumber the radicals, leading to their dispersal by late afternoon.
The recent incident has spurred strong reactions from Canadian politicians across the spectrum, calling for measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown announced plans to propose a city council motion to ban protests at places of worship, echoing sentiments about the need for peaceful and respectful expressions of dissent.
The violence comes amidst deteriorating India-Canada relations, strained by allegations and diplomatic expulsions linked to perceived targeting of Khalistan supporters by Indian entities. Just two days prior, amid Diwali celebrations, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had reassured the Hindu-Canadian community of their safety and security, a promise undermined by Sunday’s events. Trudeau’s and other political leaders’ statements following the attack pointedly did not specify the involvement of Khalistani elements, drawing criticism from some quarters for not fully addressing the source of the violence.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement and Peel Regional Police have vowed to investigate the attack thoroughly, promising action against those found guilty of violence. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and warned against criminal acts.
Community organizations like the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition of Hindus of North America have voiced their distress over the incident, highlighting it as an example of rising Hinduphobia and unchecked extremism within certain factions in Canada.
This incident reflects not only the challenges of maintaining community harmony amidst diverse and passionate political beliefs but also the broader implications for international diplomatic relations and the responsibilities of hosting nations to protect all residents within their borders.