Canada: Khalistani Supporters Attack Hindus at Temple in Brampton
Khalistani supporters allegedly attacked Hindu devotees outside a Brampton temple, raising India-Canada tensions amid Diwali celebrations.
In a serious incident on 3rd November 2024, Hindu devotees in Canada were allegedly attacked by Khalistani supporters outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, sparking fresh concerns in India-Canada relations. Chandra Arya, a Canadian Member of Parliament of Indian origin, shared a video of the attack on social media, claiming that the mob of Khalistani supporters hit devotees with sticks and Khalistani flags outside the Hindu Sabha temple. The event took place during Diwali festivities, which many Hindu-Canadians were celebrating at the temple.
In the video shared by Arya, Sikh men are seen running after Hindu devotees, engaging in physical attacks. Arya described the incident as a dangerous escalation, blaming Canada's broad "freedom of expression" laws for allowing such extremist acts. He also urged Hindu-Canadians to demand stronger safety measures.
The attack has angered Indians worldwide, with social media backlash targeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government’s handling of the issue. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit group, commented on the video, claiming that women and children were also attacked, though none are seen in the footage.
According to reports, the Khalistani group was initially holding a demonstration to remember the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In response, international group Sikhs for Justice stated that the protest was directed against Indian officials whom they allege use events like these to gather information on Sikh separatists.
Prominent Canadian leaders, including Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, and Canada’s Transport Minister Anita Anand, condemned the violence as "unacceptable." Later that day, PM Trudeau also condemned the attacks on X (formerly Twitter), stressing the need for every Canadian to practice their faith safely and thanking the police for their quick response.
In a related development, a Canadian police officer named Harinder Sohi was suspended after a video showed him at a pro-Khalistan protest outside the temple, holding a Khalistan flag while others chanted anti-India slogans.
Canadian authorities are investigating the incident, with many calling for stronger security measures to ensure the safety of all communities in the country.
