In Brampton, Canada, the Triveni Community Center canceled its Indian Consulate-planned Certificate of Life event, originally scheduled for November 17, 2024, citing security concerns related to possible violent protests. The event was aimed at helping citizens of Indian origin in Canada renew their essential life documents.

“Please note that the Life Certificate Event Planned at Brampton Triveni Mandir by the Indian Consulate on November 17, 2024, has been canceled. This is due to official intelligence from Peel Regional Police indicating that there is an extremely high and imminent threat level of violent demonstrations,” reads the community center’s statement.

Call for security measures

The Triveni Community Center has urged Peel police to respond to threats targeting the Brampton Triveni Mandir and called for security guarantees to protect the Canadian Hindu community and the public.

“We apologize to everyone in the community who depended on the event. We are deeply saddened Canadians no longer feel safe visiting Canada’s Hindu temples. We call on the Peel Police to respond to the threats circulating against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu community and the general public,” the temple administration added.

Tensions following Brampton Temple incident

This cancellation of events at the community center follows a violent disruption by Khalistan separatists on November 3 at Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.

Videos showed clashes involving fights and sticks being used as weapons. Peel Regional Police confirmed they responded to the unrest, noting the protests escalated into physical violence.

Condemnation of Prime Minister Modi and Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and expressed disapproval of attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. “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,” Modi said on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the violence, saying all Canadians have the right to practice their faith safely.

Arrest of SFJ Canada coordinator

Peel police have arrested 35-year-old Brampton resident Inderjeet Gosal on charges of assault with a weapon during a protest at the temple. Gosal, identified as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun coordinator for Canada, was arrested on November 8 and was released on conditions pending his appearance in court.

US-based SFJ Group is banned in India.

Peel police revealed the investigation filmed several offenses, showing protesters brandishing flags and sticks as weapons. India’s foreign ministry has urged those involved to be prosecuted, highlighting concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada.

Context of tense relations between India and Canada

Tensions between India and Canada escalate over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023, of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada. New Delhi has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd”, while highlighting its concerns about Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan activities on its soil.