Canada has developed pattern of making allegations without specifics: S Jaishankar

So far, three people have been arrested in connection with the pro-Khalistan attack at the Hindu Sabha temple in Canada's Brampton on Monday.

In Short

• S Jaishankar says he is 'deeply concerned' over attack on Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton
• 3 people arrested in connection with attack on Hindu temple in Brampton so far
• PM Modi, MEA spokesperson also condemned attacks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday took a jab at Canada in the wake of the pro-Khalistani attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton. He said that Canada has "developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics".

Commenting on the attack at the Hindu Sabha temple, he said, "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning."

He also said it was "unacceptable" that Canada allegedly put Indian diplomats under surveillance amid the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations.

Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on Monday and unverified videos circulating on social media showed them 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 Canadian Police have arrested three people in connection with the attack so far. Peel Regional Police said that the people were arrested in connection with assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident and 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and said that there were "cowardly attempts" to "intimidate" Indian diplomats.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Indian government "condemns acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists", and called on the 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," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randir Jaiswal had said on Monday.

The diplomatic row between India and Canada worsened 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.