Peel police declare unlawful assembly as hundreds gather outside Hindu temple in Brampton the day after a chaotic and violent scene broke out during the visit of Indian consular officials.

On Monday evening, hundreds of people gathered at the temple parking lot and were seen waving Indian flags. They began walking down the street, temporarily blocking traffic in both directions.

Hours later, police shared on social media that weapons had been seen during the protest and that it had been deemed an unlawful assembly, saying crowds had been ordered to disperse or face death. be arrested.

Gore Highway was blocked with intermittent road closures at intersections.

Three people were arrested on Sunday and a police officer was suspended as filmed clashes showed protesters holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan clashing with others, including some waving the Indian national flag.

The videos appear to show fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks in what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu temple Sabha Mandir, near The Gore Road.

The group Sikhs for Justice said Khalistan supporters had protested the presence of Indian consulate officials who were undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services, such as helping the elderly access pensions.

The clashes took place as Hindus celebrate the Diwali festival, amid growing tensions between Canada and India.

Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations they used their positions to gather information about Canadians participating in the pro-Khalistan independence movement, then passed the details to criminal gangs who directly targeted these individuals.

India has long accused Canada of harboring pro-Khalistan terrorists whom New Delhi has asked Ottawa to extradite, although Canadian officials say such requests often lack adequate evidence.