Leaders of Canada’s three major federal parties have condemned the violent clashes that erupted on Sunday during a visit by Indian consulate officials to a Hindu temple in Brampton, a suburb of Toronto.
Peel Regional Police said Sunday that a protest had broken out at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, and unverified videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators holding pro-Khalistan placards, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The videos show fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks in an area adjacent to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report said.
Speaking to website X, Trudeau thanked local authorities for their swift response to protect the community and investigate the incident. Trudeau wrote on X on Monday:
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.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack by “anti-Indian” elements on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.
The incident disrupted a consular event organised jointly by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian Consulate. In a statement, the High Commission said:
We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.
Peel Regional Police said Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir and had increased their presence at the temple to maintain public order and security.
Police did not provide further details about the social media videos, what happened or whether any complaints had been filed.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence, writing on website X on Sunday afternoon, saying the perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Relations between the two countries soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last September claimed “possible” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who Indian authorities consider an extremist.
New Delhi dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and said Canada was allowing pro-Khalistan elements to operate with impunity on Canadian soil.
