During a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grave concerns regarding the recent violent incident at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada.
His remarks came during a joint appearance with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Parliament House, where he described the attack as ‘deeply concerning’.
Jaishankar stated, “What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning. And, you would have seen the statement first by the official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by the Prime Minister yesterday. So, that should, I think, convey to you how deeply we feel about it.”
Additionally, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats. He criticized what he called Canada’s ‘pattern of making allegations without providing specifics’.
Jaishankar asserted, “When we look at Canada for us, the fact that they’re putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable.”
Commenting on footage from the temple attack, he remarked, “Do look at the video, and I think it would tell you, in a way, the political space today, which is being given to extremist forces there (Canada), that so we believe in freedoms. We also believe freedom should not be misused.”
Violence After Diwali Distresses All Faith Communities, Says Australian Foreign Minister Wong
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her solidarity with the Indian community. She emphasized that incidents of violence are distressing for all faith communities, particularly in the aftermath of Diwali.
Wong stated, “In the wake of Diwali. It is very upsetting for members of the faith community and the broader Indian community. I would again say that people across Australia have a right to be safe and respected. People also have a right to peaceful protest; people have a right to express their views peacefully.”
“We are a multi-cultural democracy, we cherish that fact, but we also cherish the principles that enable that multi-cultural democracy to flourish — respect and a right to express different views peacefully,” she added.
The incident in Brampton involved protesters waving Khalistani flags confronting devotees at the Hindu Sabha Temple. The confrontation sparked clashes, which unverified videos circulated online documented.
The Peel Regional Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals linked to the violence, who now face various charges, including assault with a weapon.
PM Modi Condemns Temple Attack; Urges Canada To Ensure Justice
Earlie taking to X, PM Narendra Modi also condemned the attack. He described it as a ‘deliberate’ act of violence.
PM Modi posted, “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 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed these sentiments, expressing ‘deep concern’ over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada and calling for enhanced protection of places of worship.
He asserted, “We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.”
“The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” the MEA spokesperson further added.
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