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Hindu Temple Attacked In Canada, Justin Trudeau Reacts

  • 04 Nov 2024 04:05 AM
  • Khalistan, CanadaNews, IndiansInCanada, SikhsInCanada

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned an attack on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, labeling the violent incident as "unacceptable." A group of alleged Khalistani supporters targeted worshippers outside the temple on Sunday, igniting widespread outrage.

In a statement, Trudeau remarked, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely." He also expressed gratitude to the police for "swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident."

Videos of the attack, widely circulated on social media and shared by Canadian MPs, depict a group of men wielding sticks and assaulting devotees outside the temple. The attackers were seen carrying flags linked to pro-Khalistani groups. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit community organization, condemned the violence on social media, stating that women and children were among those assaulted.

Reports suggest that the attack occurred following a demonstration by Khalistani supporters commemorating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The violent incident heightened tensions in the area, prompting a significant police presence. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah called for calm, stating, "We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts." He emphasized that those involved in such actions would face arrest and prosecution.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the violence, describing it as completely unacceptable. He tweeted, "All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace... I will unite our people and end the chaos."

Canada’s Indian-origin Transport Minister, Anita Anand, denounced the attacks as "unacceptable" and reaffirmed that "all religions, including Hindus, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their faith without fear of violence."

Rao Yendamuri of the Hindu Forum Canada highlighted that a similar incident took place at the Laksminarayan Mandir in Surrey, where a "riot-like" situation unfolded. Sikh MP and Trudeau's aide, Jagmeet Singh, condemned the violence, tweeting, "Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace."

Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya strongly criticized the attack, declaring that Khalistani extremists had "crossed a red line." Arya, who shared a video of the incident, tweeted, "A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack on Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton demonstrates how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada."

The incident has further escalated concerns about extremism in Canada, drawing strong responses from leaders across the political spectrum and raising questions about security for religious communities in the country.