Canada: Indian High Commission condemns camp disruption by ‘anti-India elements’

The Indian High Commission in Canada in a statement has condemned the violent disruption by “anti-India elements” of a consular camp organised by it in Brampton near Toronto on Sunday (November 3).

The consular camp in Brampton was co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir.

The statement said that as in previous years, the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organised consular camps during this period for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian). Due to the prevailing security situation in Canada, the authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work.

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

“It is deeply disturbing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place,” read the statement.

The statement said that despite the attempts by anti-India elements, the Consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants.

It said that there were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2-3.

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

“In light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organisers as well as local attendees, organisation of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities,” said the High Commission.

It said that if any camp is not feasible to be held due to such disruptions, alternative arrangements would be made to render those services which may unfortunately inconvenience local users of those services.

Video of attack on temple shared by HCF

After the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada shared a video on X of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani terrorists attacked women and children.

“Kids, Women, and Men are being attacked. This is all happening under the support of Khalistaani politician sympathisers,” read the post on X.

Canadian PM, MPs condemn attack

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted 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.”

Trudeau thanked the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate the incident.

Also Read: Khalistani elements 'deep assets' of Canadian security agency: Indian envoy

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre called the attack on the Hindu temple “completely unacceptable”.

Kevin Vuong, Toronto MP, condemning that attack said that Canada had become a safe harbour for radicals, and said the country’s leaders had failed to protect Hindus just like they failed to safeguard Christians and Jewish Canadians.

Violence has no place in society: Ontario Sikh group

The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) condemned the violent disruption of the consular camp and asked local authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. 

The Council stated that violence and intimidation have no place in the community. 

"OSGC strongly condemn the incident of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Rd in Brampton. Violence and intimidation have no place in our community, where peace, unity and mutual respect are the values we hold near and dear," read the statement by OSGC.

The OSGC said that places of worship should remain sacred spaces for reflection, spirituality and community cohesion, free from violence or disturbances. 

"We urge everyone to exercise restraint, promote dialogue, and work together towards peace. OSGC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and supporting an environment where people can feel safe and respected, regardless of their beliefs," stated the OSGC.