Brampton: Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada on Monday evening (local time) to protest against the repeated attacks on Hindu temples in the country, a day after Khalistani extremists attacked the temple The organizers of the solidarity rally pressed Canadian politicians and law enforcement agencies to not give further support to Khalistanis.
The details were shared by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) on social media platform X. The CoHNA highlighted the multiple attacks on Hindu temples across Canada during the Diwali weekend and called on to stop the “Hinduphobia” in the country. “Over a thousand #CanadianHindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu Temples,” the post read. “Yesterday, during the sacred #Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples, coast to coast, came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this #Hinduphobia now!” it added.
On Sunday, an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple witnessed a “violent disruption” in Brampton, near Toronto. Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada, shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani terrorists attacked kids and women.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” and said that “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats were appalling 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 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,” PM Modi said on X.
The strong statement by PM Modi came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday.
“We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding violence in Brampton.
On the other hand Hindu organisations as well as the Sikh organization condemn the attack on Hindu Temple. Ontario Sikh And Gururdwara Council (OSGC) released a letter and condemned the incident. OSGC write that the violation has no place in our community and religion.
The incident outside the temple is a distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect in our community. OSGC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and supporting an environment where people can feel safe and respected, regardless of their beliefs.
We call upon local authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, reaffirming that violence has no place in our society. We also encourage community leaders and members to come together, support one another, and foster an atmosphere of unity and compassion.
Hindu Federation strongly condemns the incident of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Rd in Brampton & Malton Gurudwara Sahib. Violence and intimidation have no place in our community, where peace, unity and mutual respect are the values we hold near and dear.
Places of worship should remain sacred spaces for reflection, spirituality and community cohesion free from violence or disturbance. We urge everyone to exercise restraint, promote dialogue and work together towards peace that is respective of all communities.
The incident outside both places is a distressing reminder of the need for understanding and mutual respect in our community. Hindu Federation is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and supporting an environment where people can feel safe and respected regardless of their beliefs.
We encourage community leaders and members to come together, support one another and foster an atmosphere of unity and compassion. Let us stand united against all forms of violence as we work towards a peaceful and harmonious community.