New Delhi, November 4
A protest by Khalistanis turned violent near the Hindu Sabha temple in Canada's Brampton as the devotees at the Hindu were reportedly attacked. The Canadian police have beefed up security at the temple.
The footage of the incident was shared on social media that shows groups of demonstrators, including supporters of Khalistan and others waving India’s national flag, clashing on the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. In some clips, people appear to be engaged in fistfights and using poles in the confrontation.
It has come to the fore that a banned group ‘Sikhs for Justice’ advocating for Khalistan, said its supporters were protesting the presence of Indian consular officials, who had come to the temple to offer administrative services, including pension assistance for seniors. After a few minutes of the protests, the protestors allegedly began thrashing the devotees at the temple during the Diwali celebrations.
Sikhs for Justice had earlier called for Indian consular officials to be restricted from operating outside their official premises, asserting that such visits pose a threat to pro-Khalistanis.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all condemned the violence in posts on X.
Trudeau stressed that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” Poilievre denounced the violence “targeting worshippers” and promised to “end the chaos,” while Jagmeet Singh also issued a strong condemnation.
Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations that they passed information about pro-Khalistan Canadians to criminal gangs, who then targeted those individuals. The incident took place at the time when the relations between India and Canada have almost hit rock bottom.
