Ottawa/New Delhi: Khalistani extremists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple grounds in Brampton, Ontario, while Indian consular officials were holding a camp for the benefit of Indo-Canadians. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has protested the violent disruption by anti-India elements to the camp.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission said that it is deeply disappointing to see such violent disruptions being allowed for routine consular work that is held by the Indian consulate.
It said the consular camp was held for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian), and co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto.
The Indian High Commission said that Canadian authorities had been informed in advance and requested to provide strong security measures in view of the “prevailing security situation” in Canada.
It said similar attempts were held to disrupt consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
It said that the holding of further such consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by the local authorities.
Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya said that under the ‘freedom of expression’ Khalistani extremists are getting “a free pass in Canada”.
He posted on X:
“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 that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies.
No wonder that under the ‘freedom of expression’ Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada.
As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and asserts their rights and hold politicians accountable.”
Another Indo-Canadian MP Anita Anand termed the violence unacceptable.
“I’m concerned about reports of unacceptable violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha 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 on the scene.”
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also termed the violence unacceptable. “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.”
Canadian MP Kevin Vuong said he is alarmed to see the violence unleashed on Hindu Canadians, and added that Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals.
“Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals.
Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians & Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace.”
Vijay Sapps, an Indo-Canadian, said that the Hindu community leaders held a meeting of the temple and community leaders at the Hindu Sabha in the evening. ”There is fear, anger, sense of betrayal by police & politicians and millions pledged to fight for Hindus. Hold the line, lets respond lawfully, law abidingly and peacefully, unlike the Khalistani terrorists.”
A Canadian said that Sikhs for Justice, founded by Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Pannu, organised the violence.
“The group that organized the Khalistani attacks on Hindu temples across Canada today was Sikhs for Justice. Sikhs for Justice is run by Pannun. Pannun made a video this week encouraging Sikhs to attack Hindus celebrating Diwali, specifically on November 2nd and 3rd. Hindus were attacked on November 3rd. Pannun also claimed that he and Sikhs for Justice have been advising the government on the entire India-Canada issue,” he posted.
Canadian politician Maxime Bernier, leader of Peoples Party Canada, in a post laced with sarcasm said: “Khalistani Sikhs attacking worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple.
“Nothing to worry about though because DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH!!!”
Another Canadian Kirk Lubimov said “Canada has turned into a dumpster fire, that was ignited and keeps being fueled by weak politicians.
“Khalistani nutcases have attacked Hindu worshipers at their temple with sticks creating chaos. Absolutely despicable and acceptable.
“These Khalistanis also protest with swords and spears and it’s a matter of time before their barbarism escalates further.
“Reminder: a Khalistani extremist that has encouraged and threatened Hindus and Canadian Hindus specifically with violence works directly and advises Justin Trudeau’s office”, referring to NDP leader and Khalistani Jagmeet Singh.
Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman said that the RCMP joined the Khalistanis in attacking the Hindu worshippers.
In a post on X, he said:
“The RCMP start attacking Hindu worshippers on their own temple grounds in Surrey BC.
“Watch as an RCMP officer goes into the crowd to go after Hindu devotees after pushing them back to protect the Khalistanis who came to harass the temple goers on Diwali. Punching Hindus in the head and beating them with batons caught on video.”