The Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre in Canada have cancelled a life certificate event initially scheduled for November 17, due to concerns over possible violent demonstrations.
The event, intended as a consular camp, was organized to help Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs renew essential life certificates, necessary for various official uses. The temple’s administration issued an official statement on Monday explaining the reason for the cancellation. "Please be informed that the Life Certificate Event, planned at Brampton Triveni Mandir by the Indian Consulate for November 17, 2024, has been called off. This is based on intelligence from Peel Regional Police, which indicated a high and immediate risk of violent protests," the statement read.
The temple representatives expressed disappointment to the community, many of whom depend on these consular services. "We extend our apologies to all community members who were counting on this event. It is distressing that Canadians now feel unsafe visiting Hindu Temples in Canada," the statement further noted.
The administration also appealed to Peel Police to enhance protective actions against threats directed at the Hindu community and to uphold the security of all Canadian citizens, irrespective of their religion.
Nishan Duraiappah, the Chief of Police for Peel Regional Police, reached out to the Brampton Triveni Mandir & Community Centre, requesting them to consider postponing the Consular Camp on November 17. "We believe a temporary delay could play a significant role in reducing the current tensions and in protecting the wellbeing of attendees at your venue," the letter stated.
Brampton Triveni Mandir functions as a community center for Hindus and like-minded individuals, hosting gatherings for worship, religious discussions, and community service programs. However, the temple has experienced increased tension recently following incidents at nearby locations.
This follows a disruption of an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton on November 3. Consequently, the Consulate General of India in Toronto canceled multiple consular camps planned across Canada after local security agencies advised that they could not ensure the necessary security for these community events.
The attack on the Hindu temple prompted a strong response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who condemned the "intentional assault" on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated, "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally concerning are the cowardly efforts to intimidate our diplomats. Such violence will never deter India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to deliver justice and enforce the rule of law."
This incident occurs amid growing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India categorically denied these allegations, leading to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India and straining bilateral relations, with New Delhi asserting that Canada has allowed pro-Khalistan elements to operate freely.