Thousands of Hindus marched in Brampton, Canada, to express solidarity and protest an attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, which occurred just a day earlier during the Diwali celebrations.
The attack, linked to pro-Khalistan supporters, spurred the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) to organise the rally, highlighting the growing concern over the safety of Hindu places of worship in the country.
On Monday night, the atmosphere was filled with determination as thousands gathered outside the temple. Many participants carried flags representing both Canada and India, and some waved banners proclaiming 'Jai Shri Ram.'
The marchers voiced their discontent by shouting slogans against Khalistani extremism, making it clear that they wanted to address what they see as an alarming trend of hostility towards Hindus in Canada.
Attendees at the rally shared their feelings about the discrimination faced by Hindu Canadians over the past two decades. One participant articulated the frustration felt within the community, emphasising their loyalty to Canada and urging government officials to acknowledge and rectify the wrongs being experienced by Hindu Canadians. This sentiment resonated deeply among the crowd, who expressed a desire for better treatment and stronger ties between India and Canada.
The gathering was also a response to the specific incidents that unfolded at the Hindu Sabha temple. On Sunday, pro-Khalistani demonstrators clashed with devotees during the Diwali festivities. Social media was flooded with unverified videos showing the tense confrontations, which included protesters brandishing Khalistani flags and banners.
The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of three individuals for their roles in the altercation, including charges of assault and assaulting a police officer.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the temple attack, calling on the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. His statement marked a significant acknowledgment of the ongoing violence faced by Hindus in Canada, as he emphasised that such acts of aggression would not weaken India's resolve. Modi's tweet reflected the deepening concerns regarding the safety of the Indian diaspora amid rising tensions linked to pro-Khalistani movements.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also addressed the incident, asserting that all Canadians have the right to practise their faith freely and safely. However, he faced criticism for not directly denouncing Khalistani extremism, which many believe has been allowed to flourish without sufficient opposition.
This incident has further strained relations between India and Canada, which took a turn for the worse in September 2023 when Trudeau claimed that Canadian security agencies had credible allegations connecting Indian government agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist.
India has categorised Nijjar as a terrorist and linked him to various violent activities, including a notorious movie theatre bombing in Punjab and the murder of Sikh politician Rulda Singh.
Despite these allegations, Canada has not taken decisive action against pro-Khalistani elements, allowing them to continue organising referendums and demonstrations promoting their separatist agenda.
The situation remains tense as communities grapple with the implications of these events. The solidarity march in Brampton serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities in Canada, who feel increasingly vulnerable amid rising extremism.
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