Ottawa, Nov 4 (PTI) Protesters waving Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton, sparking condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said a protest took place at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan, the Radio Society reported -Canada.

Speaking to X, Trudeau thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.

“The acts of violence committed today at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to Peel Regional Police for responding quickly to protect the community and investigate this incident,” Trudeau said in a message on X on Monday.

Separately, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton by “anti-India” elements.

The incident disrupted a consular event co-organized by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian Consulate.

In its statement, the High Commission noted, “We today (November 3) witnessed violent disturbances orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-hosted 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 safety.

“We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence or criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah said on X on Sunday after the videos began circulating.

“Those who participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.” Peel police told CBC Toronto that no arrests were made at the temple on Sunday.

Police did not provide further details about the videos posted on social media, what happened or whether any complaints were filed.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a message released Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton was widely condemned by Canadian politicians, including Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.

“It is completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshipers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives unequivocally condemn this violence. I will unite our people and end the chaos,” Poilievre said on X.

Premier Doug Ford praised police for their “quick response,” adding that the incident is “totally unacceptable and must be condemned.”

“No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship,” he wrote on X.

The Indian High Commission noted: “We witnessed violent disturbances today (November 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-hosted with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. ” The statement further added: “We also remain gravely concerned about the safety of candidates, including Indian nationals, at whose request such events are being organized in the first place. Despite the efforts of anti-Indian elements, our consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants…” Relations between India and Canada have come under severe strain following the Prime Minister’s allegations. Minister Justin Trudeau in September last year of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s accusations, calling them “absurd.”

India maintains that the main issue between the two countries is Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating with impunity from Canadian soil. PTI AMS

This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.