A group of alleged Khalistani supporters targeted Hindu devotees, including women and children, at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on Sunday, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Videos circulated on social media, showing men wielding sticks and attacking those gathered outside the temple.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promptly condemned the attack, asserting that violence of this nature is “unacceptable” and affirming that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” He extended gratitude to the local police for their swift response to protect the community and investigate the incident.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a prominent non-profit community organisation, denounced the attack, stating that the violent scenes outside the temple affected numerous innocent devotees, including children and women.
According to local reports, the attackers were part of a group holding a demonstration to mark the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
However, the gathering quickly turned violent, escalating tensions in the area and leading Canadian police to increase security measures.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, addressing the incident, emphasised restraint while affirming the community’s right to peaceful protest.
“We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” he said. He assured that those responsible would be pursued, arrested, and charged.
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre added his voice to the condemnation, calling the violence “completely unacceptable” and underscoring that “all Canadians should be free to practise their faith in peace.” He pledged to “unite our people and end the chaos.”
Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya strongly denounced the incident, declaring that Khalistani extremists had “crossed a red line.”
Arya posted a video of the attack on social media, stating, “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 Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment at the violence, reiterating that “religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada.”
He added, “Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside a place of worship,” noting that the police would take all necessary actions to maintain peace and hold perpetrators accountable.
The incident has exacerbated existing tensions between India and Canada, already strained over Ottawa’s approach to Khalistani extremism.
New Delhi has repeatedly urged Canada to take stricter measures against these extremist factions, accusing Canada of neglecting the impact of pro-Khalistani activities on Indian-Canadian communities.
MP Arya added, “As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and assert their rights and hold politicians accountable.”
He pointed to the “free pass” he claimed Khalistani extremists receive under the guise of freedom of expression, calling for urgent measures to safeguard Hindu-Canadians.
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