The Indian High Commission on Monday issued a statement following the violent disturbances near the Sabha Hindu Temple in BramptonCanada, which saw worshipers attacked during a demonstration by Khalistani extremists.

The commission expressed deep disappointment over the incident, in which a routine consular camp organized in partnership with the temple was allegedly disrupted by anti-India elements.

The High Commission noted that it had asked Canadian authorities to implement enhanced security measures in anticipation of potential unrest, saying: “We witnessed today (November 3) violent disruptions orchestrated by elements anti-Indians outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu party. Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto. They also expressed concern over the safety of the candidates, many of whom were Indian nationals, adding: “We remain very concerned about the safety of the candidates, including Indian nationals, at whose request such events are being organized. »

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Despite the disruptions, the Indian consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants.

The High Commission reported further security concerns, saying similar camps in Vancouver and Surrey faced attempts to disrupt services on November 2 and 3. As a result, the commission indicated that future consular camps would depend on appropriate security measures from Canadian authorities.

Khalistan protests lead to violence outside temple

The incident near the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on November 3 involved a protest by Khalistan extremists, which was responded to by a group waving Indian flags, opposing the extremists’ ideology.

Video footage shows tensions quickly escalated into clashes, with Khalistan protesters allegedly attacking the opposing group. Many temple devotees fled to the temple premises in search of safety, leading the extremists to breach the holy sites.

The Canadian Hindu Foundation, a local non-profit organization that supports the Hindu community, shared video evidence on social media, stating that “Hindu Sabha Temple is under attack by #Khalistani terrorists.” Their message claimed that “children, women and men were being attacked” and claimed that the attackers had the support of political sympathizers.

Canadian leaders strongly condemn attack

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quickly condemned the incident, affirming Canadians’ rights to religious freedom and security. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “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. He also recognized the efforts of Peel Regional Police to protect the community and investigate the attack.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also denounced the violence, calling it “totally unacceptable.” He promised that the Conservative Party would work to protect the right of all Canadians to worship in peace, saying: “Conservatives unequivocally condemn this violence. I will unite our people and end the chaos.

Toronto MP Kevin Vuong highlighted growing extremism in Canada, criticizing leaders for failing to adequately protect Hindu, Christian and Jewish communities from radical threats. “Canada has become a haven for radicals,” Vuong said, calling on leaders to ensure all Canadians can pray in peace.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya also condemned the attack, saying a “red line has been crossed.” He warned of the growing influence of violent extremism in Canada, raising concerns about its reach into Canadian institutions. Arya urged Hindu Canadians to be proactive in defending their safety and rights, adding that extremists appear to be exploiting Canada’s free speech laws to carry out such actions with minimal accountability.

This recent violence adds to a disturbing series of attacks on Hindu temples across Canada, highlighting a trend of religious intolerance. In July, MP Arya expressed concern over attacks targeting Hindu-Canadian communities, and several temples, including the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, were vandalized.

Earlier, temples in Windsor, Mississauga and Brampton were victims of similar acts of defacement, drawing widespread condemnation from Canadian and Indian leaders.