the violence that erupted at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, near Toronto, calling it an attack aimed at destabilizing India’s resolve. Modi emphasized that such acts of violence, particularly those targeting Indian nationals and institutions, will not deter India from pursuing its goals and values. His comments came amidst rising tensions between India and Canada, exacerbated by reports of surveillance and harassment directed at Indian diplomats in Canada.
The violence occurred on Sunday when a group of pro-Khalistan protesters gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Temple, which was hosting an Indian consular camp aimed at issuing life certificates for Indian and Canadian citizens. What began as a protest escalated into a violent confrontation, with the protesters chanting slogans against the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi. The situation quickly spiraled, and the protesters entered the temple premises, disrupting the consular services.
Prime Minister Modi responded strongly, issuing a statement condemning the deliberate attack on the temple and the subsequent violence. “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,” Modi said.
The incident, which was an apparent attempt to disrupt the Indian consular activities, further intensified the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had previously expressed grave concern over the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, especially after several anti-India protests and acts of violence took place around diplomatic events.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also condemned the actions of the extremists and separatists behind the violence. “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect those indulging in violence to be prosecuted,” Jaiswal stated.
The High Commission of India had taken precautions in light of the growing tensions and had coordinated with local law enforcement to ensure additional security measures were in place for consular camps, which are a routine service provided by the Indian government to help citizens living abroad. Despite the disruption, the camp in Brampton was able to issue over 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian citizens, highlighting the resilience and commitment of the Indian diplomatic mission.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the violence, acknowledging the importance of religious freedom and safety. “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,” Trudeau said, thanking the local police for their swift response. He also assured that a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted.
In Canada, some politicians have expressed growing concerns about the rise of pro-Khalistan extremism within the country. Indo-Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, who has been critical of the influence of Khalistani groups, stated that the incident highlighted the deep-rooted and growing violent extremism in Canada. Arya raised alarms about the possibility of Khalistani elements infiltrating Canada’s political and law enforcement systems, further complicating the situation. “I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that, in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated our law enforcement agencies,” Arya said.
The incident also comes in the context of a broader diplomatic row between India and Canada that started in September 2023, when Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This accusation triggered a series of diplomatic confrontations, including Canada’s allegations against Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which have since been rejected by the Indian government as unfounded and “baseless.”
Adding to the tension, recent reports revealed that some Indian diplomats in Canada had been subjected to surveillance, with Canadian authorities allegedly monitoring their communications. The Ministry of External Affairs in India described these actions as “harassment and intimidation,” highlighting concerns about the lack of diplomatic immunity for Indian officials. “This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” said Jaiswal.
The ongoing situation reflects the escalating challenges in India-Canada relations, with issues of terrorism, Khalistani extremism, and diplomatic security taking center stage. Both countries are now under increasing pressure to de-escalate tensions and address the concerns of their respective citizens and diplomatic staff. As the investigation continues, the international community will closely monitor the developments, hoping for a resolution that ensures safety, justice, and respect for international law.
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