PM slams Canada Hindu temple attack, cowardly attempt to intimidate diplomats

PM Modi strongly reacted to the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton and called on the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

In Short

• PM Modi asks Canada to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law
• Condemns cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats
• Remarks came after Khalistani supporters attacked Hindu temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed the recent "deliberate attack" on a Hindu temple in Brampton in the Canadian province of Ontario, asking the government there to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister also condemned the "cowardly attempts" to intimidate Indian diplomats deputed in Canada.

"I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

This is PM Modi's first official statement against the ongoing violence against Indians by pro-Khalistani supporters in Canada.

The remarks came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian government "condemns acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists", and called on the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to ensure that all places of worship are adequately protected.

"We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randir Jaiswal said while addressing a press conference.

Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan. Some videos also showed fist fights and people striking each other with flagpoles on what appeared to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir.

The incident also drew condemnation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said that every Canadian has the fundamental right to practice their faith freely and safely.

"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.

Meanwhile, Canadian police said that they arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the protests. Peel Regional Police, who cover Brampton, said that three people had been arrested and charged, and the alleged offences include assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

The relationship between India and Canada took a sharp downturn in September last year when Trudeau alleged that Indian agents might have been involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim outrightly rejected by New Delhi.