‘It feels very bad’: Brampton reels after two nights of tense protest outside temple
The protest was declared unlawful, and the Peel Regional Police's public order unit was deployed to disperse the crowd.
Tensions erupted at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, over two nights of violent protests that left community members shaken and added to the already strained Canada-India diplomatic relations.
The protests were sparked by Sikh separatists advocating for an independent Khalistan, and they escalated on both Sunday and Monday, involving clashes between opposing groups.
On Sunday, violent protests outside the temple spread to other locations in Mississauga, prompting attendees like Varsha Shah to stay inside the temple for safety.
Shah, a longtime member of the Hindu community in Canada, expressed her concern over the violence, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their faith and hoping it wouldn't discourage people from visiting the temple.
The protests continued on Monday night, where the situation grew more intense. Police reported that several hundred protesters gathered outside the temple, blocking traffic and engaging in violent behavior, including throwing objects and carrying weapons such as wooden sticks.
The protest was declared unlawful, and the Peel Regional Police's public order unit was deployed to disperse the crowd.
In the wake of the violence, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Brampton Coun. Gurpartap Singh Toor condemned the acts of violence and called for the swift enforcement of laws.
Brown also voiced concerns over anti-Sikh rhetoric and called for action against those inciting violence. Peel Police have arrested three individuals and are investigating further, including identifying a person who allegedly sprayed a noxious substance during the Monday protest, injuring one individual.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence during Tuesday's House of Commons session, asserting that those inciting violence do not represent the Sikh or Hindu communities in Canada.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed concerns, labeling the Brampton protest a deliberate attack on the Hindu temple and diplomatic intimidation.
Amid the protests, discussions about the need for regulations on demonstrations near places of worship have gained traction. Brampton Mayor Brown has proposed bringing a motion to city council to look at banning protests near places of worship.
This follows similar efforts in Vaughan, Ontario, where the city passed a bylaw in June to prevent “nuisance demonstrations” within 100 meters of vulnerable infrastructure like places of worship. Ottawa city council is also exploring similar measures.
These events reflect a deepening divide fueled by global political issues, and local authorities are now considering stronger actions to prevent further disruptions at religious sites in Ontario.
