A protest led by Khalistani extremists near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, turned violent on Sunday, resulting in attacks on temple devotees. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including strong statements from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other political leaders.
In response to the attack, Trudeau condemned the violence, stating, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.” Despite no arrests being made, Peel Police maintained a visible presence, with dozens of officers stationed outside the temple on Sunday noon.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned the attack, declaring that a “red line has been crossed” by the extremists. Expressing concerns over growing extremism, he commented on social media, “The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows the alarming extent of violent extremism in Canada.” Arya added that, in addition to influencing Canadian politics, Khalistani sympathizers may have infiltrated law enforcement agencies.
Toronto MP Kevin Vuong also voiced concern, stating, “Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals,” and criticized Canadian leaders for failing to protect religious communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Jews, from violence. Vuong shared on social media, “We all deserve to worship in peace.”
The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit advocating for the Hindu community in Canada, shared footage of the attack, emphasizing that women, children, and men were targeted by the extremists. They highlighted that some Khalistani politicians have allegedly supported these actions.
This recent attack adds to a troubling pattern of religious intolerance in Canada. Last year, anti-India graffiti defaced a Hindu temple in Windsor, prompting both Canadian and Indian officials to demand action. Similar incidents in Mississauga and Brampton in previous years have drawn strong responses from the Indian community and raised concerns about growing religious intolerance in Canada.
