Expect separatists to be punished: India on Hindu temple attack in Canada

India said that it is "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of its citizens in Canada after a Hindu temple was attacked by pro-Khalistani elements in Ontario's Brampton on Sunday.  

In Short

• India asked Canadian government to protect places of worship
• Protesters with Khalistani flags attacked Hindu temple in Brampton
• India said its consular outreach services won't be deterred by such violence

India on Monday condemned the "acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists" at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton in the Canadian province of Ontario and called on the Justin Trudeau government to ensure that all places of worship in the country 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 Brampton's Hindu Sabha Temple on Sunday, prompting the High Commission of India in Ottawa to issue a strong statement, condemning the attack by "anti-India" elements.

Jaiswal also pointed out that the Indian government is "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of its citizens in Canada, asserting that the diplomatic officers providing consular services to Indians "will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence".

"We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence," said.

On Sunday, Peel Regional Police reported a protest at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, with unverified social media videos showing demonstrators displaying banners supporting Khalistan. The videos reportedly showed physical altercations, with people clashing and hitting each other with flagpoles on the temple grounds.

In response, the High Commission of India in Ottawa issued a strong statement on Monday, condemning the incident as an attack by "anti-India" elements.

"We have witnessed a violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto," the High Commission stated.

Meanwhile, Peel Police told CBC Toronto that no arrests were made in connection with the incident at the temple on Sunday.

Relations between India and Canada took a nosedive after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year, suggesting 'potential' involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a charge outrightly rejected by New Delhi.

India has maintained that its core issue with Canada is the alleged support for pro-Khalistan elements operating freely from Canadian soil.