Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemns violence at Brampton Hindu temple as Canadian police arrest three

Ottawa/New Delhi, November 4: Talking tough, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asked the Canadian government to ensure justice and the rule of law after Khalistan supporters deliberately attacked worshippers outside a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton.

Modi issued a terse statement after social media videos emerged on Sunday showing demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan and clashing with other individuals, including some holding the Indian tricolour.

Modi has strongly condemned the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, along with reported attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. Emphasising India’s steadfast resolve, he called for justice and the upholding of the rule of law by the Canadian government, the Press Information Bureau of the Indian government said in a press release in New Delhi.

In his statement posted on X, Prime Minister Modi said: "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."

The attack by Khalistani elements on Hindu worshippers came days after Canada and India expelled India and Canada expelled their top envoys along with other diplomats amidst the raging row over last year's assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government responded after police began pursuing "credible" allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a wanted terrorist in India.

Canadian police accused Indian agents of involvement in "homicides, extortion and violent acts" and targeting supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement.

India has rejected Truedeau's allegations as "preposterous", accusing him of pandering to Canada’s large Sikh community for political gain ahead of crucial general elections.

Meanwhile, the Canadian police on Monday announced that three people have been charged after violence erupted as Indian consular officials visited a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday.

Peel Regional Police did not elaborate on the nature of the charges or the accused in a brief statement posted to X.

The police said they are continuing to investigate "several acts of unlawfulness" and that more information could be forthcoming.

The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, CBC News reported.

Peel police said the event was eventually moved to two other locations in neighbouring Mississauga, where further demonstrations also took place.

On Sunday afternoon, police said they were aware of the protest and had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to maintain public order and safety.

"We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts," Chief Nishan Duraiappah said after the videos began circulating. "Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Trudeau also condemned the incident outside the Hindu temple.

"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," Trudeau wrote on X.

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the incident, saying it was completely unacceptable to see such an incident outside the Hindu temple in Canada.

"Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos," he wrote on X.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said those responsible for the incident should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.

"I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha," he said. "Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship."

Brown also said he intends to introduce a motion at Brampton City Council to explore the possibility of prohibiting protests outside places of worship in the municipality.

On Sunday evening, Premier Doug Ford called the incident "unacceptable" in a post on X.

The group Sikhs for Justice said Khalistan supporters had been protesting the presence of Indian consulate officials undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services such as helping seniors access pensions.

Brampton Mayor Brown acknowledged the ongoing spat between India and Canada but said violence at a place of worship is never permissible.

“I understand that we have the right to protest in Canada, but no one should feel intimidated. No one should feel unsafe at their place of worship. And what happened today was completely unacceptable,” Brown said.

“I, for one, condemn any violence like this. It’s wrong,” he added. (ENDS)