India’s high commission in Canada is condemning the violence that erupted at a Hindu temple in Brampton, a Toronto suburb, on Sunday. Videos on social media show clashes between demonstrators supporting Khalistan and those waving India’s national flag.
The Sikhs for Justice group protested the presence of Indian consulate officials providing administrative services at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. The high commission stated that future temple visits would depend on security arrangements to ensure everyone’s safety.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all condemned the violence, emphasizing the right to practice faith freely. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also decried the violence.
Peel Regional Police confirmed no arrests were made during the protests but vowed to investigate any violence. Sikhs for Justice accused Hindu nationalists of instigating the clashes, claiming Indian officials target Sikh separatists during such visits.
Tensions between Canada and India have escalated, with Canada recently expelling Indian diplomats over espionage allegations. The request for a buffer zone around a Sikh temple in British Columbia highlights the ongoing confrontations between protesters and Indian consular officials.
