A Hindu temple in Brampton has suspended its priest following allegations he participated in spreading “violent rhetoric” during clashes at the temple on November 3. consular event attended by Indian officials.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the priest’s actions, saying the vast majority of Sikh and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence.

“This is leadership that is helpful. The vast majority of Sikh and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir Chairman Madhusudan Lama has suspended the expert who broadcast a violent rhetoric. The Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara Council denounced the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday evening,” Brown said in the post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Remember, we all have more in common than what divides us. In times of tension, we cannot let agitators fuel the flames of division. Leaders of the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Greater Toronto Area do not want this division, this hatred and this violence “I ask all members of the community not to respond to violence and hatred. Law enforcement will be there to respond. It’s their job. We must continue to be a country where the rule of law is respected,” he added.

The incident was widely condemned, including by the Canadian Prime Minister. Justin Trudeauwhich highlighted the right of every Canadian to practice their faith freely and safely. India also denounced the attack, expressing deep concern over the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

Tensions high in Brampton

Tensions were high in Brampton since the violent clash. THE the conflict began when protesters waved Khalistan flags disrupted a consular event co-organized by temple authorities and the Indian consulate. Videos circulating on social media show fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks inside the temple grounds.

The incident marks the latest development in strained relations between India and Canada. Tensions began when Trudeau alleged Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September last year. India has rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd.”