Pro-Khalistani mob attacks devotees at Hindu temple in Canada, Trudeau condemns

A group of devotees, including women and children, at the Hindu Sabha Mandir was targeted by alleged Khalistani supporters. Videos showed a group of men wielding sticks and attacking devotees outside the temple.

In Short

• Khalistani supporters target devotees at Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton
• Justin Trudeau calls violence unacceptable
• Indian-origin MP says Khalistani extremists get free pass in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday condemned the attack on Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton, saying that acts of violence are unacceptable in the country. On Sunday, a group of devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir was targeted by alleged Khalistani supporters, sparking outrage.

Trudeau said, "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." He thanked the police for "swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident".

Videos of the incident, widely shared online, including by Canadian MPs, showed a group of men wielding sticks and attacking devotees outside the temple.

The mob was seen carrying flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit community organisation, which responded on social media, said children and women were also attacked in the incident.

According to reports, a group of Khalistani supporters were holding a demonstration to commemorate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots before the attack took place.

The incident escalated tensions in the area, prompting the Canadian police to deploy a significant number of personnel. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah urged restraint, stating, "We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts." He further emphasised that those who engage in such activities will be pursued, arrested, and charged.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the violence, calling it completely unacceptable. "All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace... I will unite our people and end the chaos," Poilievre tweeted.

Canada's Indian-origin Transport Minister Anita Anand called the attacks "unacceptable" and said that "all religions, Hindus included, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their religion without such assaults".

Rao Yendamuri of the Hindu Forum Canada said that a similar "riot-like" situation occurred at the Laksminarayan Mandir in Surrey. Trudeau's aide and Sikh MP Jagmeet Singh commented "Violence anywhere is wrong" and called for peace.

He tweeted, "Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace".

Canadian MP of Indian origin, Chandra Arya, responded strongly, stating that Khalistani extremists had "crossed a red line".

The MP, who tweeted a video of the incident, said, "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".

Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown, said that he was "disappointed to hear" about the violence outside the Hindu temple.

"Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside a place of worship," he tweeted, adding that the police "will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence".

He alleged 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 assert their rights and hold politicians accountable," MP Arya further said.

The incident occurred amid strained relations between India and Canada as Ottawa repeatedly dismissed New Delhi's calls for strict action against Khalistani extremists in Canada. Instead, it accused India of targeting Khalistani individuals within its borders, leading to a massive diplomatic row.