Last update:04 November 2024, 12:57 IST

Nayan Bramhabhatt, a priest at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, said police were outnumbered by Khalistan extremists and Hindus were afraid to visit temples.

Another Hindu attack was by Khalistani extremists. (Photo: X)

Worshipers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, have shaken the community amid deteriorating ties between New Delhi and Ottawa. This follows a series of attacks on Hindus in Canada by Khalistani extremists over the years.

In the temple’s first reaction, Nayan Bramhabhatt, a priest at the temple, told News18 that the police were outnumbered by the Khalistan attackers and had not made any arrests after the incident, despite the assurance of an investigation.

Bramhabhatt said police in the region were completely ineffective in protecting minorities and had failed to put in place adequate security measures. This is why the Hindu community in Brampton is now afraid to visit temples.

“Red lines crossed” by Khalistan separatists

Hours after worshipers at a Hindu temple in Canada were attacked by suspected Khalistani extremists, several Canadian lawmakers and the country’s Vishwa Hindu Parishad have demanded strict action against those involved. Canadian MP Chandra Arya said a “red line has been crossed” by Canadian Khalistan extremists and that Khalistan extremists are getting a free pass in Canada.

Also condemning the attack, VHP Canada shared a video of the incident on members of the Hindu community by Khalistan extremists. »

“Pro-Khalistan activists attack worshipers after breaking through the gates of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada. The attack took place after Khalistanis gathered outside the temple walls to protest against India. Khalistanis frequently confuse the Hindu community with India to justify physical attacks and damage to temples. This must stop,” the Hindu American Foundation said on X.

ALSO READ: “Red line crossed”: Canadian MPs condemn Khalistan attack on worshipers at Hindu temple

“Every Canadian has the right to…”: Trudeau condemns the attack

In response to the incident, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressed the importance of religious freedom and said every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

“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 the Peel Regional Police for responding quickly to protect the community and investigate this incident,” read an X message from Trudeau.

“It is alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistan extremists to terrorist cosplayers, Canada has become a haven for radicals. Our leaders are failing to protect Hindus, as well as Canadian Christians and Jews, from violence,” Vuong wrote in an X post.

Meanwhile, Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre stressed that all Canadians should be able to practice their faith in peace. Poilievre further stated that conservatives condemned the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos.

Sharing an article on X, Poilievre wrote: “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. »