NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday voiced a strong condemnation of a recent attack on Hindu temple in Canada, calling it a “deliberate” act. He also denounced “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats, asserting that such violence would not weaken India’s resolve.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Prime Minister tweeted.
Earlier in the day, ministry of external affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed the government’s grave concerns, urging Canadian authorities to ensure the safety of places of worship and bring those responsible to justice.
“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” Jaiswal said.
In a widely circulated video, a violent group of men were seen wielding sticks and attacking devotees outside the temple. The mob was also seen carrying flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups.
According to the community organisation Hindu Canadian Foundation, women and children were also attacked in the violent mob.
Meanwhile, Peel regional police arrested and criminally charged three individuals over the incident.
In a statement issued by the police, it said that several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively probed.
“Earlier today, Peel Regional Police were present at a demonstration held at a place of worship in Brampton. The event was subsequently relocated to two different locations within the city of Mississauga As a result of these demonstrations, three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions. Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated by our 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau along with 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau,” the statement read.
“We appreciate the cooperation of those who have remained peaceful and reassure the public as we continue to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.” it added.
Here are the top updates:
- Peel regional police arrested and criminally charged three individuals over the incident. “Earlier today, Peel Regional Police were present at a demonstration held at a place of worship in Brampton. The event was subsequently relocated to two different locations within the city of Mississauga As a result of these demonstrations, three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions. Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated by our 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau along with 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau,” the statement read.
- Indian High Commission in Canada slammed the “violent disruption” by ‘anti-India’ elements outside a consular camp in Brampton and raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the country. The High Commission said that any further events will be organised “contingent on security arrangements” made by the local authorities. “We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto,” the statement read.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin said that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Taking to X, Justin Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident. “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,” Trudeau said.
- Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said that the Conservatives condemned the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos. “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today,” the opposition leader said.
- Attacking the Trudeau administration, Canadian MP Chandra Arya said that he started believing that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to the Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement agencies. “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada. I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies,” he said in a post on X.
- Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council also condemned the incident and said that the attack is a distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect in our community. “OSGC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and supporting an environment where people can feel safe and respected, regardless of their beliefs. We call upon local authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, reaffirming that violence has no place in our society. We also encourage community leaders and members to come together, support one another, and foster an atmosphere of unity and compassion,” the statement read.
- The recent attack adds to a series of such incidents in recent years. Earlier, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. In July, Arya had voiced deep concern over the violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. In a post on X, he wrote, “The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti.”
- International working president in Vishva Hindu Parishad Alok Kumar condemned the attack and said that the incident is a matter of regret and anguish. “This causes a great concern, more so because the Indian consulate was invited by the Hindu temple to organise a camp there over facilities for Indians travelling to India. The Indian Consulate has informed the police authorities about it and had requested for security. Despite advance information and declining security atmosphere, it is a matter of regret and anguish that Canadian police did not make any arrangements and rioters were given a free run.” Kumar said.
- Hours after the incident, city’s mayor, Patrick Brown announced that he will be bringing in a motion in the city council to prohibit protesting at places of worship in the city. Brown said he has asked the city solicitor to look into the legality of the law for the next scheduled meeting of city council. “Places of worship should safe spaces that are free of violence and intimidation. I have asked our City solicitor to look into the legality of such a by-law for our next scheduled meeting of City Council,” read a post by the mayor on X on Monday.
- Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar also criticised the Canadian government for what he describes as political manoeuvring and failure to protect Hindu communities amid rising incidents of religious violence. Speaking on recent attacks targeting Hindus in Canada, Thanedar said, “The Canadian government is playing politics with this issue, they are trying to please certain minority groups in Canada. The attack against Hindus are purely terroristic acts. Canada government’s protection of these terroristic activities needs to be deplored, it needs to be opposed.” He stressed the need for Canada to uphold the human rights of Hindu minorities, comparing the situation to the rights struggles faced by Hindu communities in countries like Bangladesh. Thanedar added, “I have done a lot including putting pressure on the Biden administration to address these atrocities.”
- Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu accused Trudeau of creating divisions among different communities in Canada and said,”The news reports coming in over the past few days, the situation that has formed in Canada do not pertain one particular religion. Be it Hindu or Sikh, PM Justin Trudeau has divided everyone there.” Bittu criticized both those advocating for pro-Khalistan slogans and the Canadian police for their support, stating that the Indian Government will respond to the situation with a more decisive action. “Khalistanis came outside religious places to disturb people in festive season. Their Police seem to be standing in support of Khalistanis…These will not be tolerated. We will move against the Govt of Canada, wherever we have to approach…These people who are raising Khalistani slogans are on their payroll,” Bittu said.
- The ministry of external affairs (MEA) condemned the recent violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urging Canada to protect places of worship and bring those responsible to justice. “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists,” Jaiswal said, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting Indian nationals and Canadian citizens amid ongoing intimidation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, describing it as a “deliberate” act and criticising attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. He affirmed that such acts of violence would not weaken India’s resolve and called on the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.