Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on Monday evening to protest against a series of violent attacks targeting Hindu temples across the country.
The demonstration took place just a day after the temple became the latest target of an attack by Khalistani extremists, sparking widespread concern within the Hindu community.
The organizers of the rally emphasized the urgent need for Canadian authorities and politicians to take a firmer stance against the growing support for Khalistani movements in the country.
Participants in the protest called for immediate action to protect Hindu places of worship and ensure the safety of the community.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) was one of the prominent voices amplifying the message of the protest.
Through their social media accounts, CoHNA expressed outrage over the series of attacks that coincided with the Diwali weekend, calling for an end to what they referred to as ‘Hinduphobia’ in Canada.
Taking to X, CoHNA stated, “Over a thousand #CanadianHindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu Temples. Yesterday, during the sacred #Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples, coast to coast, came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this #Hinduphobia now!”
Over a thousand #CanadianHindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu Temples.
Yesterday, during the sacred #Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples, coast to coast, came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this #Hinduphobia now!… pic.twitter.com/mBu7VovofT
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) November 5, 2024
Protesters however reacted after violent acts disrupted an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton on Sunday.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation, another key organization, shared footage of the attack, alleging that Khalistani extremists were responsible and that women and children were among those assaulted during the disruption.
PM Modi Condemns Temple Attack; Urges Canada To Ensure Justice
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew international attention to the attacks with a strong condemnation.
Taking to X, 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.”
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024
PM Modi’s remarks echoed a statement from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which earlier in the day condemned the acts of violence and called on Canadian authorities to prosecute the perpetrators.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the growing trend of extremist activities in Canada.
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.
The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the attack and warned local authorities. They warned that future consular events would proceed only if local authorities ensured adequate security measures.
This string of violent incidents has highlighted the rising religious intolerance within certain parts of Canada, and there is increasing pressure on the Canadian government to address the issue.
Trudeau Condemns Attack; Reaffirms Religious Freedom
In response to the events, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to religious freedom.
Taking to X, PM Trudeau posted, “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.”
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024
In connection with the attack on the temple, Peel Regional Police announced the arrest of three individuals.
The suspects were identified as:
- 42-year-old Mississauga resident Dilpreet Singh Bouns,
- 23-year-old Brampton resident identified only as Vikas, and
- 31-year-old Mississauga resident Amritpal Singh
Additionally, the authorities also arrested a fourth individual but released them due to an unrelated warrant.
Police have also suspended an off-duty officer seen in a video participating in one of the pro-Khalistani demonstrations, pending an investigation.
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