New Delhi: The Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Sunday condemned the “violent disruption” caused by Sikh separatists at a Hindu temple near Toronto, which occurred during a camp co-organized by the Indian mission as part of its routine consular activities .

The Indian High Commission said there had been similar attempts to disrupt camps in Vancouver and Surrey, which were held over the weekend.

The statement added: “It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions permitted to routine consular work organized by our consulates with the utmost cooperation of local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned about the safety of candidates, particularly Indian nationals, at whose request such events are organized in the first place.

PRESS RELEASE

“Violent disturbances outside the consular camp in Brampton, Ontario (November 3)”@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/V7QNMmA4eR

– India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) November 4, 2024

Read also: Hindu temple attacked in Canada, Trudeau says ‘every Canadian has the right to practice their faith in safety’

Police monitor protesters, 1 person arrested

Peel Regional Police said Sunday evening that at least one protester was arrested at the scene, leading to minor injuries to an officer. Police said they were monitoring the group of protesters, who then left Brampton for Mississauga.

“While we respect the individual right to protest in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, these protests continue to involve illegal acts. We are asking for the public’s cooperation to disperse and allow law and order to be maintained,” police said in a statement.

pic.twitter.com/7DeJS3CDL3

– Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 4, 2024

The camp was organized by the Indian Mission to distribute life certificates to community members to qualify for Indian pensions.

Despite the disruptions, the high commission said, more than 1,000 such certificates were issued in the camps over the weekend, including 650 in Mississauga alone, the consulate said in a statement. statement.

The high commission said the organization of future consular camps “depends on security arrangements” made by local authorities, keeping in mind the threats to Indian officials, local organizers and local participants.

The attack on the temple, during which individuals brandished sticks and Sikh separatist flags, was sentenced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as by the leader of the official opposition, Pierre Poilievre.

(Edited by Tikli Basu)

Read also: “Completely unacceptable to see violence”: Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre on Hindu Sabha temple attack