On Monday, India issued a stern condemnation of the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, reportedly carried out by alleged Sikh extremists. The violent confrontation, captured in a widely circulated video, shows a group wielding sticks and brandishing pro-Khalistani flags as they targeted devotees and members of the temple, including women and children.
The Indian High Commission in Canada called the incident “deeply disturbing” and emphasized its growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals residing in the country.
The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir unfolded in what community members describe as a shocking escalation of anti-Hindu sentiment. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a community organization, a violent mob not only harassed but also assaulted temple devotees as they gathered outside the sacred space.
The event has rattled the local Hindu community and fueled fears of further violence. Peel Regional Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident and were aware of the protest taking place in the city’s northeast sector.
Indian High Commission Expresses Strong Concern
In a statement addressing the incident, the Indian High Commission in Canada criticized what it described as “violent disruption” by “anti-India elements.” The High Commission noted that such disruptions have raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian nationals and warned that future community events may depend on improved security measures by local authorities.
“We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto,” the statement read, conveying a sense of alarm and disappointment at the lack of adequate security.
The attack comes against a backdrop of rising tensions between pro-Khalistani groups and Indian diaspora communities in Canada. While incidents targeting temples have become a growing concern, this incident marks one of the most brazen attacks in recent memory.
Canadian Leaders Respond Swiftly
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disapproval of the violence, reiterating Canada’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of religion for all citizens. In a statement on social media platform X, he extended his gratitude to local law enforcement for responding promptly and condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir as “unacceptable.”
“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,” Prime Minister Trudeau said, emphasizing his government’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the incident, calling for unity and a swift end to the chaos. “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today,” he said, expressing solidarity with the Hindu community. Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya was more critical, suggesting that Khalistani influence may extend into Canadian law enforcement agencies.
“A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada,” Arya said in a statement on X. He noted that reports alleging pro-Khalistani influence within Canadian political and security apparatus may hold some truth.
Community Calls for Unity and Action
Ontario Sikhs and the Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also condemned the attack, describing it as a “distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect” within Canadian society. The OSGC, committed to community peace and safety, expressed its unwavering support for creating a respectful environment across all faiths. “Violence has no place in our society,” the council noted, urging local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and community members to come together in unity and compassion.
The Hindu Sabha Mandir attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Hindu places of worship across Canada. Earlier this year, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized with graffiti, while other temples in Ontario and British Columbia have similarly faced harassment and defacement. Hindu-Canadian leaders, including Arya, have repeatedly called for decisive action to curb this rising trend of violence against Hindu communities.
Alok Kumar, International Working President of Vishva Hindu Parishad, expressed frustration over the incident, highlighting that the Indian Consulate had alerted local authorities about the need for security at the temple event. “This is a matter of regret and anguish,” Kumar said, emphasizing the failure of Canadian police to prevent what he described as a “free run” for rioters.
Brampton Mayor Seeks Legislative Action
Hours after the attack, Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown announced plans to bring forward a motion aimed at prohibiting protests at places of worship across the city. Recognizing that religious spaces should be sanctuaries free from violence, Brown said he has requested that the city solicitor examine the legal feasibility of such a by-law.
“Places of worship should be safe spaces that are free of violence and intimidation,” Brown posted on X, adding that his team is working to prioritize the safety and security of religious sites in Brampton.
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