PM Narendra Modi condemns attack on Hindu temple in Canada - Greater Kashmir

New Delhi, Nov 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada.

In a statement on social media, he said, “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.”

Following the violent incident outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, India has expressed deep concern and urged Canadian authorities to protect places of worship from similar attacks.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, also condemned the incident, calling it “an act of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists.” He added, “We are deeply concerned for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, and we expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also denounced the incident, posting on social media, “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.”

The situation escalated as Canadian police clashed with Hindu devotees who were protesting the attack on the temple by “anti-India” elements. In one widely circulated video, a woman filming the scene accuses an officer of striking protestors with a baton. The crowd, visibly angered, is heard shouting, “Take him out.”

This incident has further intensified diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, adding to the strain following Trudeau’s recent accusation that India was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader. India has dismissed the claim as baseless and accused Canada of providing a haven for separatist and extremist elements.

The Indian embassy in Canada also highlighted previous disruptions at consular events in Surrey and Vancouver, expressing disappointment at the challenges faced by Indian officials in engaging with the diaspora amid acts of “intimidation, harassment, and violence.” The embassy reaffirmed that consular officers would persist in their outreach to both Indian and Canadian citizens, undeterred by these acts.

This series of confrontations highlights the growing strain between Canada and India with no respite visible.