The Indian High Commission in Canada expressed deep disappointment over a violent disruption by Khalistani extremists at a consular camp near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada. Organized in partnership with the temple, the camp aimed to provide routine services for Indian nationals, but was disrupted by a protest involving extremists clashing with a counter-protest group holding Indian flags. Video footage showed temple attendees fleeing for safety as tensions escalated, leading to a breach of the sacred grounds.

Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, condemned the violence, reaffirming Canadians’ right to religious freedom and promising support for community safety. Local MP Kevin Vuong and Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced concerns about rising extremism, noting the vulnerability of Hindu, Christian, and Jewish communities to radical threats in Canada. Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to advocate for their rights and called for stricter accountability for extremists exploiting Canada’s freedoms.

November 4, 2024

The incident reflects a pattern of religious intolerance in Canada, with Hindu temples facing multiple recent attacks, including vandalism of temples in Edmonton, Windsor, and Mississauga.