Reacting to the pro-Khalistani mob attack on Hindu-Canadian devotees near the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, the Indian High Commission in Canada strongly condemned the incident on Monday, saying it was “deeply disappointing” to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work organised by Indian Consulates.
In a statement, the Indian Mission in Canada said there were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3. Videos of the Sunday incident in Brampton are widely shared online, showing a mob, wielding sticks and rods, attacking Hindu devotees outside the temple. Several people in the mob were seen holding flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups.
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… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024
Indian High Commission in Canada Issues Statement
“As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organized/plan consular camps during this period, for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian). On account of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work,” the statement said.
High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada issues a press release – “…We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto. It is deeply disappointing to see… pic.twitter.com/FQuxEf5cqd
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2024
The Indian High Commission said it is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by Indian Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers.
“We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto. It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers.”
It also raised concerns for ” the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place.”
“In light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats & officials, local venue organizers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities. In case any camp is infeasible to be held due to such disruptions, alternative arrangements will be made to render those services, which may unfortunately inconvenience local users of these services. Ottawa November 03, 2024,” the statement added.
PM Justin Trudeau Reacts
Earlier, reacting to the incident, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday called the violence at a Hindu temple near Toronto “unacceptable” and upheld the right to practice religion “freely and safely”.
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024
“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,” he said in a post on X.
