Khalistani protest turns violent in Canada; templegoers attacked

Ottawa: A protest in Canada by Khalistani extremists near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton turned violent, and temple-goers got attacked on Sunday. It is alleged that the Khalistanis intentionally targeted the devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, IANS reported.

The Hindu Canadian Foundation shared a video online suggesting that the Khalistanis attacked women and children.

The incident has, however, sparked widespread condemnation. Leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, spoke out against the attack.

He 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. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident."

Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya condemned the attack on the temple and said that a "red line has been crossed" by Khalistani extremists.

Condemning the incident, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya wrote on X, "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."

"No wonder that under the 'freedom of expression', Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada. As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and assert their rights and hold politicians accountable," he further added.

Expressing his displeasure, Toronto MP Kevin Vuong said that Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals and added that the country’s leaders are failing to protect Hindus just like how they failed to safeguard Christians and Jews. It said that the attacks on Hindus here are happening with the support of Khalistani politician sympathisers.

The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance.

Meanwhile, ties between India and Canada had deteriorated last year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited “credible allegations” that agents of the Indian government -- including Verma and other diplomats -- were linked to the death of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.