Attack On Devotees At Canada Hindu Temple By Khalistani Extremists: Updates, Reactions, And More

After a Hindu temple was attacked in Brampton near Toronto in Canada by Khalistani extremists on Sunday (3 November), various politicians, Hindu associations and Indian High Commission have reacted.

What happened

The Indian High Commission had organised a routine consular camp in partnership with Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. However, this was attacked by Khalistani extremists.

They entered the temple premises carrying Khalistani flags and beat those who were present on the campus using sticks and flag poles. In some footage, individuals are seen engaging in fistfights.

How politicians reacted

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the acts of violence 'unacceptable' and advocated the right to practice one's faith freely and safely. He thanked Peel Regional Police for 'swiftly responding' to the incident.

Similarly, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also called it unacceptable and demanded Canadians be free to practice their faith in peace and vowed to unite people and end the chaos.

Only two members of parliament (MP) used the word Khalistan to condemn the attack. One is Toronto MP Kevin Vuong and another is Hindu MP of Indian origin Chandra Arya.

"Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus from violence," Vuong posted on X.

Arya accused Khalistani extremists of crossing the red line and alleged, "In addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies."

The pro-Khalistan MP Jagmeet Singh 'unequivocally' condemned the acts of violence at the Hindu temple without naming Khalistan and asserted the right to freedom of worship.

High Commission of India in Ottawa raised concern over the 'prevailing security situation in Canada' and called the attack 'a violent disruption' in routine consular work by 'anti-India elements'.

"We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place," the press release added.

What local journalist said

Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent for National Telegraph said, "Violent Khalistanis break into a Hindu temple and start attacking the devotees. Chaos ensues as the people flee the mob."

"The recent attack is horrifying. It has crossed new lines. It is the first broad daylight attack on Hindu devotees in this country. The response from the Police was disgusting. This was utterly preventable," he said.

Regarding another incident, he alleged that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) attacked Hindu worshippers on their own temple grounds in Surrey BC, highlighting the two-tier policing against Hindus.

Hindu association

Canadian National Council of Hindus and Hindu Federation, along with temple leaders and Hindu advocacy groups have released an official statement barring all politicians from using temples for their activities.

"This attack is the latest in a series of alarming incidents aimed at Hindu Canadians, who have faced an increasing wave of violence," the statement said alleging no substantial steps were taken.

"Hindu temples and temples across Canada will no longer permit politicians to use temple facilities for political purposes... until concrete efforts to address the issue of Khalistani extremism," it said.