Last update:November 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. IST

Several videos that circulated on social media showed a group of protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan and disrupting the consular event attended by Indian officials.

Worshipers were attacked at a temple in Brampton, Canada, by a group of Khalistan supporters. (Image: X)

The Hindu Sabha Mandir has suspended the priest of Canada’s Brampton temple for his alleged involvement and spreading ‘violent rhetoric’ during Recent clashes between suspected Khalistan protesters at temple on November 3.

The Hindu Sabha Mandir newspaper issued a statement citing priest Rajendra Prasad’s alleged involvement in a “controversial protest”. In the letter, Hindu Sabha temple president Madhusudan Lama wrote that the temple was taking immediate action against Rajendra Prasad following Sunday’s events.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the priest’s actions and said he was spreading “violent rhetoric.” He said the vast majority of Sikh and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence.

“It’s leadership that’s useful. The vast majority of Sikh and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir Chairman Madhusudan Lama suspended the pundit who spread violent rhetoric. The Ontario Sikh and Gurdwara Council denounced the violent acts committed at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday evening,” Brown said in the X post.

He also urged the Hindu community not to respond to violence and hatred.

“Remember that we all have more in common than what divides us. In these tense times, we cannot let agitators fan the flames of division. Leaders of the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Greater Toronto Area do not want this division, hatred and violence. I ask all members of the community not to react 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,” the message read.

What happened at the Brampton Hindu temple?

Several videos that circulated on social media showed a group of protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan and disrupting the consular event attended by Indian officials. They were seen beating people with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The videos also showed fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the temple.

Violence initially erupted at the Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice staged a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting.

A A Canadian police officer was suspended on Monday after he was seen participating in pro-Khalistani groups who launched an attack on Hindus at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.

The suspended police officer, identified as Harinder Sohi, was filmed holding a Khalistan flag as other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He served as a sergeant with the Peel Regional Police.

The incident was widely condemned, including by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau emphasized the right of every Canadian to practice their faith freely and safely. He also thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” and said the “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats were appalling and that New Delhi expected Canadian authorities to ensure justice and enforce the rule of law.

“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said New Delhi remained “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

The MEA further called on the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to protect places of worship from such attacks on its soil.

Relations between India and Canada came under strain following Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi had rejected Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd”.

(With contribution from agencies)