Politics

Hindus Attacked by Khalistanis at Canada Temple, Leaders Warn of ‘Red Line Crossed

A pro-Khalistani crowd attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, and India has strongly condemned the incident. The violent disturbance took place during a consular camp that the Indian embassy co-organized.

In a statement, the Indian consulate condemned Canadian authorities for their insufficient security measures and voiced their shock at the situation. “Despite prior requests, robust security was not provided for these routine consular events,” the press release stated.

Disturbing Video Footage Surfaces

Social media videos show a gang of men brandishing sticks hitting worshippers outside the temple. The crowd allegedly targeted women and children among the temple visitors while brandishing pro-Khalistani flags. A local non-profit, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, reported the incident and voiced their concerns on social media.

Political Reactions and Rising Extremism

A federal legislator from the Liberal Party of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chandra Arya, denounced the attack and blamed it on Khalistani extremists. “A red line has been crossed,” Arya said, as violent extremism in Canada has become more audacious.

A Worrying Trend of Temple Attacks

This tragedy contributes to Canada’s alarming temple attack trend. Arya expressed concern regarding an increase in violence against Hindu-Canadian communities in July. He cited other assaults, such as the destruction of multiple temples in British Columbia and the Greater Toronto Area, as well as the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton.

A Hindu temple in Windsor was vandalized with anti-Indian graffiti last year, a move that both Indian and Canadian authorities strongly condemned. Concerned Hindu community members have called for greater protection and awareness after similar instances in Mississauga and Brampton.