Says every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely

Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned on Monday the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton by presumed Khalistani extremists and declared that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said a protest took place at a Hindu temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistanreported the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The videos appear to show fist fights and people hitting each other with sticks on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu temple Sabha Mandir, the report added. Speaking to X, Trudeau thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.

“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 in a message on X on Monday.

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.

– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024

Peel Regional Police said Sunday afternoon they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir and had increased their presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.

“We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence or criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah said on X on Sunday after the videos began circulating.

“Those who participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a message released Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton was widely condemned by Canadian politicians, including Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.

“It is completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshipers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives unequivocally condemn this violence. I will unite our people and end the chaos,” Poilievre said on X.

Separately, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton by “anti-India” elements. The incident disrupted a consular event co-organized by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian Consulate.