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Last updated:Nov 7, 2024, 1:30 PM IST
Several videos doing the rounds on social media showed a group of protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan disrupting the consular meeting attended by Indian officials.
Devotees were attacked by a group of Khalistani supporters at a temple in Brampton, Canada. (Image:
The Hindu Sabha Mandir has suspended the priest of the temple in Brampton, Canada for his alleged involvement and spreading “violent rhetoric” during recent clashes between suspected Khalistani protesters at the temple on November 3.
The Hindu Sabha Mandir issued a statement citing priest Rajendra Prasad’s alleged involvement in a ‘controversial protest’. In the letter, Hindu Sabha Temple President Madhusudan Lama wrote that the temple is taking immediate action against Rajendra Prasad after Sunday’s events.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown had condemned the priest’s actions, saying he spread “violent rhetoric.” He said the vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and will not tolerate violence.
“This is leadership that helps. The vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir President Madhusudan Lama has suspended the expert who spread violent rhetoric. The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council denounced the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday evening,” Brown said in the post on X.
This is leadership that helps. The vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and do not tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir President Madhusudan Lama has suspended the expert who spread violent rhetoric.
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara… pic.twitter.com/1JacvwniVx
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) November 5, 2024
He also urged the Hindu community not to react to violence and hatred.
“Remember that we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we cannot let the troublemakers fan the flames of division. The leadership of both Sikh and Hindu communities in the GTA does not want this division, hatred and violence. I ask everyone in the community not to respond to violence and hatred. Police will be there to respond. This is their job. We must remain the country where the rule of law is observed,” the message said.
What Happened at Brampton’s Hindu Temple?
Several videos doing the rounds on social media showed a group of protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan disrupting the consular meeting attended by Indian officials. They were seen hitting people with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The videos also showed fist fights and people hitting each other with poles in what appears to be the grounds surrounding the temple.
The violence initially broke out at the Hindu Temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice held a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting.
A The Canadian officer was suspended on Monday after being seen joining the pro-Khalistani groups that launched an attack on Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.
The suspended officer, identified as Harinder Sohi, was caught on camera holding a Khalistan flag as others in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He served as a sergeant in the Peel Regional Police Service.
The incident has been widely condemned, including by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau emphasized the right of every Canadian to practice their faith freely and safely. He also thanked local authorities for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack”, saying “cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats” were abhorrent and New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally disgusting 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,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said New Delhi remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.
The MEA further called on the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to protect places of worship from such attacks on its territory.
Relations between India and Canada came under serious strain after Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi had dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd”.
(With input from agencies)
News world Brampton Temple Attack: Hindu priest suspended for spreading ‘violent rhetoric’