New Delhi: In yet another attack on Hindu temple in Canada by pro-Khalistani activists, devotees were targetted in Canada’s Brampton on Sunday. Devotees were targeted within the Hindu Sabha Temple premises. A video shared by Hindu Forum Canada on the social media platform X shows individuals waving yellow Khalistani flags and creating disorder within the temple complex. Some Khalistani activists can be seen wielding sticks and attacking Hindu devotees. Hindu Forum Canada condemned the incident on X, tagging local authorities, including Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and calling the violence “unacceptable”.
Very disturbing images! #Khalistanis have attacked devotees at #HinduSabhaTemple , Brampton. This is unacceptable! @PeelPolice @patrickbrownont @JustinTrudeau @fordnation – Take action and protect Canadians pic.twitter.com/FN18xY2rBT
— HinduForumCanada #HFC (@canada_hindu) November 3, 2024
Canadian MP Chandra Arya also spoke out strongly against the attack, stating that the incident exemplifies the growing “boldness” of Khalistani extremism within Canada. In his post on X, Arya expressed concern that Khalistani elements may have infiltrated not only the political framework but also Canada’s law enforcement agencies, which, in his view, could explain the leniency shown towards such extremists under the guise of “freedom of expression”. Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to come forward, defend their rights, and demand accountability from Canadian politicians to ensure the safety of their community.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.
The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada.
I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024
Trudeau, Poilievre condemn attack on temple
Leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre also condemned the violence, stating on X, “Targeting worshippers at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple is completely unacceptable. Every Canadian should have the freedom to practice their faith in peace.” Poilievre affirmed his commitment to uniting people against such “lawlessness”.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X, calling the attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple “unacceptable”. He affirmed that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely, expressing gratitude to Peel Regional Police for their swift response and efforts to ensure safety at the scene.
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024
Peel Regional Police have launched an investigation into the incident and acknowledged the protest that took place in the city’s northeast area. In a public statement, the police reiterated their commitment to upholding individual rights to protest under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms but emphasized their duty to maintain public order. “We urge the public to ensure any protest remains peaceful and lawful,” the statement read. Police added that they will increase their visible presence around the temple and warned that any acts of violence or vandalism will be thoroughly investigated.
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 3, 2024
Not an isolated incident
Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton echoed these sentiments on X, expressing disappointment over the violence and affirming Canada’s foundational value of religious freedom. He assured the public that Peel police will work diligently to maintain peace and hold perpetrators accountable.
I’m concerned about reports of unacceptable violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha @officialHinduCF temple in Brampton. All religions, Hindus included, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their religion without such assaults. I understand that law enforcement is…
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) November 3, 2024
The incident is not isolated. In recent years, Hindu temples across Canada have been repeatedly targeted. In July, a Hindu temple in Edmonton, Alberta, was defaced with anti-Hindu graffiti, and other temples have faced similar acts of vandalism. Since 2022, over 20 Hindu temples have been attacked. However, authorities have yet to identify or apprehend those behind these repeated acts of aggression.
