A violent incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3 has heightened concerns among the Hindu-Canadian community regarding the rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada. The incident occurred when Hindu devotees, including families with children, gathered for religious observances at the Mandir. According to reports, a group of Khalistani extremists entered the premises, confronting and attacking the devotees. The event has sparked widespread condemnation from Canadian leaders and advocacy groups, as well as diplomatic concern from India, amplifying concerns about the safety of Hindu-Canadians in the country.
Attack on Hindu Sabha Mandir
Witnesses described the violent disruption at the Hindu Sabha Mandir as deeply unsettling. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a nonprofit advocating for the community, shared a video on X showing the attack, in which extremists reportedly targeted women, men, and children. The foundation condemned the violence, attributing the attack to Khalistani terrorists and calling out Canadian political sympathisers of Khalistani extremism for allegedly creating a safe haven for radical elements.
In response, the Indian High Commission in Canada issued a formal statement condemning the violent disruptions orchestrated by anti-India elements not only in Brampton but also at similar consular events in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3. The High Commission expressed deep disappointment, noting that the events in Canada intended to serve the community for routine consular work, such as life certifications, have been marred by security concerns. The statement added that more than a thousand life certifications were issued during the disrupted events despite the disturbances, emphasising the need for local authorities to ensure the safety of applicants and Indian nationals attending these events.
The High Commission announced that future consular camps would be contingent on security arrangements provided by local Canadian authorities. This development reflects India’s heightened concerns for the safety of its diplomats, citizens, and community members in Canada amid escalating threats.
Political leaders speak out on Khalistani Extremism
Prominent Canadian leaders across political parties voiced their dismay over the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the incident “completely unacceptable,” expressing support for the Hindu-Canadian community. Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament, echoed this sentiment, stating that Khalistani extremists had crossed a “red line.” Arya noted that this incident was emblematic of the rising trend of violent extremism in Canada that poses a threat to Hindu Canadians and to Canada’s religious harmony.
https://twitter.com/AryaCanada/status/1853159545016659994?t=EwY0sWSwTOYCHkOpXl1GHg&s=19
Toronto MP Kevin Vuong emphasised that Canada has become a “safe harbour for radicals” and that the country’s leadership has not taken sufficient steps to protect minority communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Jewish Canadians. Vuong’s remarks highlight a growing frustration within minority groups over perceived inaction by Canadian authorities.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Statement on Religious Freedom
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the attack, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to religious freedom and safety for all Canadians. In a post on X, Trudeau wrote, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” He also extended gratitude to the Peel Regional Police for their swift response to the incident, noting the importance of safeguarding religious communities in Canada.
The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024
Growing concerns among Hindu-Canadians
The incident at the Hindu Sabha v has added to a series of recent attacks targeting Hindu establishments in Canada, highlighting a concerning trend of intolerance. Community leaders have called for stronger government intervention and enforcement to address the escalating Khalistani extremism that has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Hindu-Canadians. For years, Hindu community leaders in Canada have been urging authorities to take decisive action to curb this extremism, especially as these attacks appear to grow in frequency and audacity.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation called for a thorough investigation into the recent incident and for stronger action to prevent similar attacks. Leaders are urging Hindu-Canadians to assert their rights and to demand accountability from political representatives, highlighting a need for a broader response to counter the extremism that has increasingly threatened peaceful religious gatherings.
The recent attacks have deepened the already-strained relations between India and Canada, with Delhi raising concerns over the safety of Indian nationals and diplomatic staff in Canada. The issue of Khalistani extremism remains a major point of tension, with both countries expressing a shared commitment to dialogue yet differing in their approaches to countering radical elements within Canada.
The violent disruption at the Hindu Sabha Mandir underscores the challenges facing both the Hindu community in Canada and diplomatic missions attempting to serve their constituents amid growing threats. As political leaders, religious groups, and community members grapple with the implications of these events, the need for a robust and coordinated response to safeguard minority communities in Canada has become increasingly urgent.
Canadian National Council of Hindus and Hindu Federation, along with Mandir leaders & Hindu advocacy groups have released an official statement after attack at the Hindu Mandir. All Politicians of all political parties will no longer be allowed to use temple facilities for political purposes.
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