Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned a violent clash that occurred at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, where alleged Khalistani extremists clashed with worshippers on Sunday.
Videos shared on social media depict protestors waving banners in support of Khalistan, leading to physical altercations, including fistfights and individuals hitting each other with poles on the temple premises.
Peel Regional Police confirmed their awareness of the protest and stated that they had increased their presence to ensure public safety. Chief Nishan Duraiappah remarked, “We respect the right to peaceful protest, but we will not tolerate violence or criminal acts.”
Trudeau expressed his disapproval on X, stating, “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 their swift response to protect the community and investigate this incident.”
The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organization representing the Hindu community, reported that women and children were among those targeted in the violence. They attributed the incident to supporters of Khalistani politicians.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated recently, leading to the expulsion of each other’s diplomats amid a dispute over the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. Canada identified India’s top diplomat as a person of interest in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, prompting the expulsion of him and five other diplomats. In retaliation, India dismissed the allegations as absurd and expelled Canada’s acting high commissioner along with five other diplomats.
India has denied accusations that Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in planning attacks against Sikh activists in Canada, labeling Canada’s claims as “absurd and baseless.”
The growing tensions are further complicated by Canada hosting the largest Sikh community outside India, which includes activists affiliated with the Khalistan movement—a separatist group advocating for an independent Sikh state within Indian territory.
Canadian officials have previously accused India of orchestrating the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent Khalistan advocate based in Vancouver. Recently, Canada reported that it traced a broader campaign against Canadian Sikh activists back to high levels of the Indian government, implicating an influential aide to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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