India’s Concerns About Security of Its Nationals in Canada Following Temple Attack. The recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, has heightened tensions between India and Canada. On Tuesday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed deep concern over the vandalism incident involving protesters with Khalistani flags at the Hindu Sabha Temple near Toronto. The attack took place amid already tense diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Disturbing Scenes from Brampton Shared on Social Media
Social media footage from Brampton showed groups clashing, with individuals hitting each other with flagpoles and throwing punches in the Toronto suburb. Addressing the situation while on an official visit to Canberra, Australia, Jaishankar commented, “Yesterday’s events at the Hindu temple in Canada are profoundly troubling,” according to a Reuters report.
This incident has further strained the already fragile relations between the Canadian and Indian governments, as well as the broader relationship between Sikh separatist groups and Indian diplomats in Canada.
Prime Minister Modi Strongly Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the “intentional attack” outside the Brampton Hindu Sabha Temple, expressing dismay over both the attack on the religious site and attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. He stated on social media platform X, “I strongly condemn the deliberate assault on a Hindu temple in Canada. Such cowardly acts aimed at creating fear will not deter India’s spirit. We expect Canada’s government to uphold justice and enforce the rule of law.”
India’s Foreign Ministry Calls for Canadian Action
On Monday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the violence allegedly initiated by extremist groups, urging Canadian authorities to prosecute those responsible. In a formal statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that India is “deeply concerned” for the safety and well-being of its citizens in Canada. He added, “We denounce the actions of extremists targeting the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, and urge Canadian officials to protect places of worship from such incidents.”
Furthermore, Jaiswal reaffirmed that Indian consular services for both Indian and Canadian citizens would not be hindered by acts of intimidation, harassment, or violence.
Canadian Government Responds, Emphasizing Freedom of Faith
Following the Brampton incident, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack, asserting that all Canadians should feel safe and free to practice their beliefs. According to the Peel Regional Police, a protest took place at the Brampton temple, where demonstrators reportedly displayed Khalistan-supporting banners. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported on the circulation of unverified videos showing these protest activities.
Recent Vandalism of Hindu Temples in Australia Also Raises Concerns
The recent incident in Canada is part of a more significant trend, as two Hindu temples in Canberra, Australia, were also vandalized last month. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the vandalism deeply distressing for Indian communities in Australia. She affirmed that Australians have the right to both safety and respectful treatment, as well as the right to protest peacefully. “We uphold a clear boundary between peaceful protest and acts of hatred or vandalism,” she stated.
Australia’s Stance on Canada’s Sikh Separatism Allegations
In relation to Canada’s allegations regarding Indian involvement in the surveillance of Sikh separatists, Wong noted that Australia respected Canada’s judicial procedures. She stated that Australia had shared its perspective on the situation with Indian authorities and would continue to support lawful resolutions.
Jaishankar criticized Canada for what he described as a “pattern of accusations without substantial evidence,” adding that Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats was “unacceptable.”
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