Riot at a Hindu temple in Brampton, three people are detained
India, in turn, has accused Canada of sheltering pro-Khalistan terrorists whom it has unsuccessfully sought to extradite, with Canadian authorities citing a lack of sufficient evidence in these requests.
Three individuals were arrested after a violent confrontation broke out Sunday as Indian consular officials visited a Hindu temple in Brampton.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show supporters of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state, clashing with others, including individuals holding the Indian national flag, outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
The videos capture fist fights and people striking each other with poles on the temple grounds.
The group Sikhs for Justice claimed that Khalistan supporters were protesting the visit by Indian consular officials, who were there to offer administrative services like assisting seniors with pension access.
Following the incident, India’s high commission issued a statement saying future visits to temples would be contingent on security arrangements by local authorities to ensure the safety of officials and attendees.
"It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work," the embassy expressed on social media.
In response, Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, condemned the violence.
Trudeau emphasized that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” Poilievre condemned “violence targeting worshippers,” vowing to “end the chaos.” Singh also issued an unequivocal condemnation of the violence.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the incident “completely unacceptable” and stated it “must be condemned.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment over the violence and said that those responsible “should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.”
Sikhs for Justice alleged that Hindu nationalists provoked the altercation, claiming that Indian consular visits to religious sites are used to gather intelligence on Sikh separatists.
The group has called for a restriction on Indian consular activities outside official diplomatic premises, asserting that such visits “endanger the safety and security of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada.”
However, Liberal MP Chandra Arya accused “Canadian Khalistani extremists” of attacking Hindus, stating they are "getting a free pass in Canada."
This incident took place during the Hindu Diwali celebrations and amid rising tensions between Canada and India. Recently, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations that they used their positions to gather intelligence on pro-Khalistan Canadians and passed this information to criminal gangs targeting individuals.
India, in turn, has accused Canada of sheltering pro-Khalistan terrorists whom it has unsuccessfully sought to extradite, with Canadian authorities citing a lack of sufficient evidence in these requests.
The tension extends beyond Ontario. On Friday, a British Columbia Supreme Court judge granted a buffer zone around one of the province’s largest Sikh temples due to anticipated protests against Indian consular events, commonly referred to as “consular camps.”
