Canada: ‘Khalistanis’ attack devotees at Hindu temple; Trudeau calls it ‘unacceptable’

Alleged pro-Khalistani extremists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada on Sunday (November 3).

In a video clip posted on X by Canadian MP Chandra Arya, men wielding Khalistan flags can be seen attacking people with the flag staffs at the main entrance to the temple complex as the latter run helter-skelter. “They are so violent,” a woman can be heard remarking.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on X that the “acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir” were “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,” he posted.

Khalistanis may have “infiltrated into law enforcement agencies”

Condemning the violence, Arya wrote that under the garb of “freedom of expression”, Khalistani extremists are “getting a free pass in Canada”.

Arya added that he now believes that “in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into [its] law enforcement agencies” as well.

“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 that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies,” Arya wrote in the post.

“No wonder that under the ‘freedom of expression’ Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada. As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and asserts their rights and hold politicians accountable,” he added.

Police posted near temple

Peel Regional Police posted a statement on X saying they “were aware of the protest” taking place in northeast Brampton.

“While we respect the individual rights to protest as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our duty and responsibility remains to maintain public order and ensure the safety of everyone,” the statement reads.

“As such, we are asking for the cooperation of the public to engage and facilitate in a peaceful and lawful protest,” they said, adding that they have increased and visible presence to monitor the situation, warning that acts of violence, threats of violence or vandalism will be investigated.

Mayor expresses disappointment

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also took to X to express his disappointment over the “acts of violence” outside Hindu Sabha temple.

“Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown wrote, adding that he has complete confidence that Peel police “will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.”

Also read: Allegations against Amit Shah: India summons Canadian official, lodges protest

Canadian MPs condemn attack

Other Canadian MPs also condemned the attack on their X handles. Federal minister and Oakville MP Anita Anand wrote: “I’m concerned about reports of unacceptable violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. All religions, Hindus included, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their religion without such assaults. I understand that law enforcement is on the scene.”

Carleton MP and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also posted: “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.”

Also read: Canada’s behaviour ‘the pits’: Ex-envoy Sanjay Verma details ‘business of Khalistan’

Threats “will not be tolerated”

Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota said threats to the community’s peace and security will not be tolerated, and those involved should face the fullest consequences of the law.

“I am troubled to hear about the recent acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and respected in their places of worship. There is no room for such actions in our society, and I strongly denounce this violence.”

She added that she had spoken with the police chief and had confidence that Peel police would act swiftly to protect the community and hold those responsible to account.