The Prime Ministers of India and Canada condemned the violence that erupted on Sunday at a Hindu temple near Toronto amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Videos shared on social media showed individuals clashing with flagpoles and throwing punches in the Toronto suburb of Brampton, although it remains unclear who instigated the altercation, and Reuters has not independently verified the events.
This incident follows Ottawa’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats, which Canada linked to the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist leader on its soil. The Canadian government has accused India of waging a broad campaign against South Asian dissidents in Canada, a claim that New Delhi denies.
Local police reported demonstrations at multiple locations in the region. Sikh activists stated that one protest occurred at a Hindu temple where pro-Khalistan supporters objected to the presence of Indian diplomats, while another demonstration took place at a Sikh temple. Khalistan refers to the Sikh homeland that activists seek to establish in India’s Punjab state.
The Peel Police announced that three men face criminal charges related to the protest: a 43-year-old man charged with causing a disturbance and assaulting a peace officer; a 23-year-old man charged with assault with a weapon; and a 31-year-old man charged with mischief.
Authorities are also investigating a video that shows an off-duty police officer participating in the demonstration, which has led to the officer’s suspension.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong statement on X on Monday, declaring, “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats.” He added, “Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable.”
Tensions between the two nations have increased, with India accusing Trudeau of pursuing a political agenda in their ongoing dispute. In response to the expulsion of its diplomats, India expelled six Canadian diplomats.
The North America-based activist group Sikhs for Justice stated that “pro-Khalistan Sikhs who were peacefully demonstrating were violently attacked by a group of Indo-Canadians.”
Reports from Indian media indicated that an Indian consular camp at the location was targeted during the violence. The Indian foreign ministry described the incident as an act of aggression by “extremists and separatists” and expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.
Source: Reuters
