New Delhi:

Shortly after a violent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said a consular camp was being held near the temple and added that it was “deeply disturbing” that such “disruptions » be authorized during routine consular work. .

The remarks come amid diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding New Delhi’s involvement in the assassination of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected these accusations.

“As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organized/planned consular camps during this period, for the benefit and convenience of local certificate recipients of life (Canadians and Indians). Given the prevailing security situation in Canada, Canadian authorities have been requested well in advance to take strict security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work,” the high commission said in a press release shared on X.

PRESS RELEASE

“Violent disturbances outside the consular camp in Brampton, Ontario (November 3)”@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/V7QNMmA4eR

– India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) November 4, 2024

“We witnessed today (November 3) violent disturbances by anti-India elements outside the consular camp, co-hosted with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, in Brampton, near Toronto. It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions permitted for routine consular work organized by our consulates with the utmost cooperation of local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned about the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, at whose request. such events are organized in the first place,” he added.

“Despite the efforts of anti-India elements, our consulate was able to issue over 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants. Attempts were also made to disrupt similar camps organized in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3 “, said the high commission. said.

He added that in light of these incidents and Indian diplomats receiving threats, organizing more scheduled consular camps would depend on security arrangements made by local authorities.

“In the event that a camp cannot be organized due to such disruptions, alternative arrangements will be made to provide these services, which may unfortunately inconvenience local users of these services,” the High Commission said.

Some Indo-Canadian leaders, including MP Chandra Arya, have alleged that Khalistan extremists were behind the violence at the Hindu temple Sabha Mandir. Some videos that have gone viral show a group of men attacking devotees at the temple. A Peel Regional Police spokesperson told AFP no arrests had been made.

Mr. Arya said a “red line was crossed today by Canadian Khalistani extremists.” “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.”

The Canadian Prime Minister responded to the attack on the temple, calling it “unacceptable.” “The acts of violence committed today at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to Peel Regional Police for responding quickly to protect the community and investigate this incident,” Trudeau said. said in a post on X.