'Separatists must be punished': India demands stern action against attackers of Hindu temple in Canada

India strongly condemned the violent disruption at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, where an Indian consular camp was attacked on Sunday.

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing tension between India and Canada, an attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton fuelled a fresh spark between the two nations. Reacting strongly to the incident, the Indian government has demanded strict action against extremists and separatists who targeted the Hindu Sabha Temple on Sunday. 

"We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks," the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. 

"We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada," he added.

Consular services will be operational: Indian government

This incident disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian consulate. However, the Indian government that the consular services will be operational, irrespective of attacks and violence. "The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence," he said.

On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added.

Trudeau reacts to attack on Hindu temple

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton by alleged Khalistani extremists and said that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. 

The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added. Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident. "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," Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday.

What did the Canadian Police say

Peel Regional Police said on X Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety. "We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts," Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X Sunday after the videos began circulating. "Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged. "

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a post on X Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.

India-Canada relations nosedived

The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

(With inputs from agency)

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