(Commonwealth_India) The Indian government issued a strong condemnation of the violent actions carried out by pro-Khalistan radicals at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, where Indian officials were conducting a consular camp. The troubling incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian nationals residing in Canada and the protection of places of worship, intended as sanctuaries for peace and community engagement.
The violent events unfolded on Sunday afternoon as protesters rallied against the presence of Indian officials at the consular camp. Eyewitness accounts and video footage provide a troubling picture of the demonstration, revealing that individuals brandishing pro-Khalistan flags engaged in aggressive confrontations. Flagpoles and traffic cones assaulted congregants at the temple, significantly disrupting the consular event and instilling fear among attendees, according to reports. The chaotic situation only de-escalated when a substantial group of temple supporters, outnumbering the radicals, rallied together, ultimately forcing the protesters to disperse.
In a formal response, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, articulated India’s profound concern regarding this incident. We condemn the viciousness executed by radicals and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Jaiswal specified forcefully. He urged the Canadian government to act decisively to safeguard all places of worship from violent acts, emphasizing the expectation of bringing those responsible for the outbreak to justice.
This violent outbreak occurs in the context of already strained relations between India and Canada, which have deteriorated in recent months following allegations from Ottawa linking the Indian government to efforts aimed at targeting Khalistani activists on Canadian soil. In a significant diplomatic fallout, both nations expelled six diplomats from each side, exacerbating existing tensions. In this environment, India has reiterated its serious concerns regarding the safety of its diplomats and missions in Canada, particularly in light of threats posed by pro-Khalistani groups.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa strongly denounced the “violent disruption” at the temple, highlighting reports of similar attempts to disrupt consular services in other Canadian cities such as Surrey and Vancouver. In a statement, the High Commission expressed its alarm over the safety of individuals seeking consular services, underscoring the essential nature of these events for Indian nationals and the broader community. We are very worried for the security of applicants, including Indian citizens, on whose demand such actions are ordered in the first place, the High Commission expressed.
Given the prevailing security situation, the Indian government had proactively sought robust security measures from Canadian authorities to protect its consular camps in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. The expectation remains that the Canadian government will honor its duty to safeguard all individuals within its jurisdiction, particularly regarding religious institutions and diplomatic missions, which are crucial for fostering community relations and support.
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between India and Canada to address mutual security concerns. The safety of religious and diplomatic institutions is paramount, not only for the Indian community in Canada but for all communities that contribute to the nation’s diversity. Strengthening communication and collaboration between the two governments could pave the way for a more secure environment where the principles of respect, tolerance, and understanding can flourish.
As both nations navigate these challenging circumstances, they must work together to mitigate risks and promote peaceful coexistence, ensuring that places of worship remain safe havens for all. The commitment to uphold the values of safety and respect for cultural diversity must guide future interactions between India and Canada, fostering a climate conducive to dialogue and mutual respect.
