Khalistan extremists attacked worshipers outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada on November 3. A massive crowd gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada on November 4. The protesters showed solidarity with the temple and the community after the Khalistan attack. Protesters also chanted the slogan “Har Har Mahadev” to express solidarity among Canadian Hindus. Organizers of the solidarity rally urged Canadian politicians not to provide further support to the Khalistanis. India has expressed deep concern over extremism, culture of violence and anti-Indian activities in Canada. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the attack on the Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada.

In a powerful show of solidarity, more than a thousand Hindus from across Canada gathered in Brampton Monday evening in front of the Hindu Sabha Mandir to condemn the growing wave of violence against their community. The protest followed a violent clash at the temple the day before, in which a group of pro-Khalistani extremists attacked worshipers over the Diwali weekend. This latest incident has sparked outrage and concern about the safety of Hindus in Canada, with many calling for stronger action from local authorities and the Canadian government.

The attack on the Hindu Sabha temple

Peaceful Diwali celebrations at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton were marred by violence on Sunday when a group of individuals carrying Khalistani flags clashed with worshipers at the temple. Videos of the incident, which quickly went viral, showed protesters holding pro-Khalistan banners and engaging in physical clashes with worshipers. Several worshipers were reportedly attacked with sticks, as well as attacks on police officers.

Peel Regional Police have made three arrests in connection with the violence, charging the suspects with assault with a weapon and assault on a police officer. Although the police took action, the larger issue of the safety of Canada’s Hindu communities became a central issue.

Growing concerns among Canadian Hindus

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the group behind the Brampton solidarity march, denounced the growing number of attacks on Hindu temples and the growing sense of vulnerability among Hindu Canadians. CoHNA condemned the attack, calling it part of a worrying trend of escalating violence against Hindus, particularly during religious holidays like Diwali. They highlighted similar attacks on temples across Canada in recent years, calling the violence “Hinduphobia” that urgently needs to be addressed.

“More than a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered in Brampton to protest increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu temples,” CoHNA posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Yesterday, during the holy weekend of Diwali, Canadian Hindu temples from coast to coast were attacked. We call on Canada to end this Hinduphobia now!

Political leaders react

The attack on the Hindu Sabha temple drew widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians of all stripes. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence, reiterating that every Canadian has the fundamental right to practice their faith in peace. However, Trudeau’s failure to specifically characterize the perpetrators as pro-Khalistani extremists has drawn criticism. Many believe his response reflects a reluctance to address the broader issue of growing Khalistani separatism in Canada, which has been a point of contention between India and Canada for some time.

Opposition leaders, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, were more direct in their condemnation. Poilievre stressed that violence against religious communities should never be tolerated, tweeting: “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.”

Similarly, Toronto MP Kevin Vuong denounced what he described as Canada’s growing reputation as “a haven for radicals.” He pointed out that while the country has failed to protect Hindus, it has also been slow to protect other minority communities, including Jews and Christians, from violence. Vuong’s strong words highlighted a growing concern among some in the political class that Canada’s tolerance of extremist groups could put its own citizens at risk.

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada

The attack on the Hindu temple comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, particularly over the issue of Khalistan separatism. In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made headlines when he linked Indian government agents to the assassination of Khalistan sympathizer and terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly condemned the allegations, calling Nijjar a terrorist and accusing Canada of providing safe haven to pro-Khalistani elements.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on the Hindu temple in Brampton, expressing deep concern over the rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada. He called on Ottawa to guarantee justice and take decisive action against those responsible for this violence. “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada,” Modi said. “Such acts of violence never weaken India’s resolve.”

India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement urging Canadian authorities to ensure the protection of religious minorities and take immediate action against the rising tide of extremism.

A growing challenge for Canadian authorities

As the Khalistani movement continues to gain a foothold among parts of the Sikh diaspora in Canada, the country faces increasing pressure to more forcefully confront the issue of violent extremism. While Canada prides itself on being a multicultural society that upholds freedom of expression and religion, the recent surge in violence targeting Hindu temples suggests that this ideal is being challenged by radical elements.

Several Canadian MPs, including Chandra Arya, have now described the situation as a “red line” crossed by Khalistan extremists. Arya, who represents the Ottawa region, expressed her concern in a video shared on X, calling the violence a dangerous escalation of Khalistani extremism. “The Khalistani attack on Hindu-Canadian worshipers inside the Hindu Sabha temple premises in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada,” he said.

The road ahead
In the wake of the Brampton attack, the solidarity march and protests are a reminder of the growing sense of insecurity felt by Hindu Canadians. The rally was not only a condemnation of the attack, but also a call for increased vigilance and action from Canadian authorities. Protesters urged local politicians to ensure such violence is not tolerated and that Canada upholds its commitment to religious freedom for all faiths.

As tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate, the international community will be closely watching how the Canadian government responds to these calls for stronger action against extremist violence and hate crimes. For Canada’s Hindu community, the hope is that this incident will mark a turning point in the fight for safety, justice and the right to practice their faith without fear of attack.