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Leaders of the Hindu and Sikh communities are calling for calm and condemning the violence that has erupted in Brampton in recent days.

At the Hindu Sabha Mandir, where violence first erupted on Sunday, the temple president suspended a priest for his controversial rhetoric following the incident.

“We expect our religious leaders to remain apolitical and focus on spiritual guidance,” Madhusudan Lama said in a released statement.

Additionally, the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC), an umbrella group for Sikh organizations, condemned the tactics used by protesters that led to the attack on the temple.

“The OSGC strongly condemns the incident of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on The Gore Rd. in Brampton. Violence and intimidation have no place in our community where peace, unity and mutual respect are the values ​​we hold dear. Places of worship must remain sacred spaces for reflection, spirituality and community cohesion, free from violence and disruption. We urge everyone to exercise restraint, promote dialogue and work together for peace that respects all communities.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed steps taken by both parties to quell the unrest.

“It’s leadership that’s helpful,” Brown said. “Leaders of the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Greater Toronto Area do not want this division, hatred and violence. »

Brown also supported police efforts to maintain law and order, saying unrest and violent protests would not be tolerated.

“The police will be there to react. It’s their job. We must continue to be a country where the rule of law is respected,” Brown said.

Violent protests took place at the Hindu temple on Sunday during a demonstration by people waving flags and banners in support of an independent Sikh state of Khalistan in India.

The next day, a large group of people associated with the Hindu temple attempted to march to a Sikh temple in Mississauga, but were thwarted by police, leading to skirmishes.

Three people have been arrested so far, but Peel police say they are currently reviewing the video footage and more charges could be laid.

The conflict has caused ethnic and religious divisions in Brampton, with Sikh groups supporting the creation of Khalistan while Hindus support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which opposes separation.

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