Party leaders condemn violence at Hindu temple in Brampton amid India consular visit

India's high commission in Canada is condemning violence that erupted Sunday as Indian consular officials visited a Hindu temple in the Toronto suburb of Brampton.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show demonstrators holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan clashing with others, including some holding India's national flag.

The videos seem to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles in what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

Khalistanis have attacked the Hindu Sabha in Brampton. Here is what you need to do:

1) Call, write and contact your local MP.

2) Pressure your Mandir Administrators to start advocating for Hindus

3) Educate yourself on why Khalistanis are TERRORISTS. Don't be fooled by the… pic.twitter.com/24qskMtzfc

— Shawn Binda (@ShawnBinda) November 4, 2024

🚨BREAKING🚨 Source: Off-Duty Peel Police Sergeant part of Khalistan mob attacking Hindu Temple.

A man said to be @PeelPolice Sergeant Harinder SOHI is visible in videos and photographs of the Sunday November 3, 2024 attack at Brampton Hindu Sabha Temple. (Attached)

Purported… pic.twitter.com/fQ4jvTkGwd

— DonaldBest.CA * DO NOT COMPLY (@DonaldBestCA) November 4, 2024

Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today.

All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) November 3, 2024

The group Sikhs for Justice said Khalistan supporters had been protesting the presence of Indian consulate officials undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services such as helping seniors access pensions.

In a release, India's high commission said plans for further visits to temples would be contingent on security arrangements from local authorities to protect the safety of officials, organizers and attendees.

"It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by our Consulates," the embassy said in a statement posted to social media.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all wrote Sunday on the platform X that they condemn the violence that occurred at the temple.

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.

Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024

Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace.

I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir.

Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) November 3, 2024

Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote that the violence was "completely unacceptable and must be condemned."

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he was "disappointed to hear about acts of violence" outside the temple. 

"Those found guilty should be punished to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote on X.

A spokesman for Peel Regional Police, which oversees law enforcement in Brampton, said nobody had been arrested or charged in relation to the protests, but said police will probe "any acts of violence or threats."

Sikhs for Justice alleged Hindu nationalists had provoked the fighting and has claimed Indian officials use visits to religious sites to find informants to target Sikh separatists. The Indian high commission in Ottawa did not immediately respond to the claims.

The group is asking that Indian consular officials be barred from undertaking work outside of their diplomatic premises, arguing external site visits "directly endanger the safety and security of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada."

But Liberal MP Chandra Arya accused "Canadian Khalistani extremists" of attacking Hindus, saying they are "getting a free pass in Canada."

A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.
The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada.
I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble

— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024

The clashes come as Hindus celebrate the Diwali holiday and amid mounting tensions between Canada and India.

PRESS RELEASE

"Violent disruption outside consular camp in Brampton, Ontario (Nov 3)"@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/V7QNMmA4eR

— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) November 4, 2024

Our response to media queries regarding violence in Brampton, Canada:https://t.co/gFilr4fOd6 pic.twitter.com/BCdM6TJu6i

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 4, 2024

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024

Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations they used their positions to collect information on Canadians in the pro-Khalistan independence movement and then passed the details on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly.

India has long accused Canada of harbouring pro-Khalistan terrorists that New Delhi has asked Ottawa to extradite, though Canadian officials say those requests often lack adequate proof.

Tensions have not been confined to Ontario.

This past Friday, a judge with British Columbia's Supreme Court granted an order to establish a buffer zone around one of the province's largest Sikh temples in advance of expected confrontations between protesters and Indian consular officials this weekend.

The request came from leaders of a Sikh temple who said they expected "intense protests" at two Indian consular events, commonly known as "consular camps."