The violence was denounced in posts on X by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Surrey protests as well
The leaders of Canada's three major federal parties condemned the violent altercations that broke out on Sunday when Indian embassy officials visited a Hindu temple in the Toronto suburb of Brampton.The Indian High Commission in Ottawa said in a statement released Sunday after the clashes that it is "deeply disappointing that such disruptions were allowed to interfere with routine consular work."
Social media footage shows groups of protesters fighting on the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, including Khalistan advocates and others brandishing the Indian flag. In certain videos, individuals can be seen fighting with poles and getting into fistfights.
Sikhs for Justice, a banned Khalistan advocacy group, said that its followers were demonstrating against Indian consular representatives who had visited the temple to provide administrative services, such as senior pension assistance.
Sikhs for Justice, a banned Khalistan advocacy group, said that its followers were demonstrating against Indian consular representatives who had visited the temple to provide administrative services, such as senior pension assistance.
In tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all denounced the violence. "Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely," Trudeau emphasized. Both Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh strongly condemned the violence that was "targeting worshippers" and pledged to "end the chaos."
Premier of Ontario Doug Ford called the violence "wholly unacceptable." The "acts of violence" outside the temple disappointed Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who called for those involved to be held fully accountable by the law.
Although no charges or arrests had been made, Peel Regional Police, which is in charge of law enforcement in Brampton, promised to look into "any acts of violence or threats."
Nishan Duraiappah, the chief of Peel police, declared on social media that violence would not be accepted. He said, "Those who engage in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged. We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts." Although no arrests had been made public, he said that Peel police will have a "large" presence in the area.
In the past, Sikhs for Justice had demanded that Indian consular representatives be prohibited from working outside of their official location, claiming that such visits endanger pro-Khalistani sentiment.
Liberal MP Chandra Arya, meanwhile, said that Hindus in Canada are given a "free pass" and blamed "Canadian Khalistani extremists" of attacking them.
The altercations took place amid the Diwali festivities and against the backdrop of growing hostilities between India and Canada. Six Indian ambassadors were expelled by Canada last month on suspicion of providing criminal gangs with information about Canadians who support Khalistan, who were then targeted by the gangs. Although Canadian officials say the proof is usually weak, India has regularly accused Canada of providing sanctuary to pro-Khalistan individuals that New Delhi wants deported.
Premier of Ontario Doug Ford called the violence "wholly unacceptable." The "acts of violence" outside the temple disappointed Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who called for those involved to be held fully accountable by the law.
Although no charges or arrests had been made, Peel Regional Police, which is in charge of law enforcement in Brampton, promised to look into "any acts of violence or threats."
Nishan Duraiappah, the chief of Peel police, declared on social media that violence would not be accepted. He said, "Those who engage in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged. We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal acts." Although no arrests had been made public, he said that Peel police will have a "large" presence in the area.
In the past, Sikhs for Justice had demanded that Indian consular representatives be prohibited from working outside of their official location, claiming that such visits endanger pro-Khalistani sentiment.
Liberal MP Chandra Arya, meanwhile, said that Hindus in Canada are given a "free pass" and blamed "Canadian Khalistani extremists" of attacking them.
The altercations took place amid the Diwali festivities and against the backdrop of growing hostilities between India and Canada. Six Indian ambassadors were expelled by Canada last month on suspicion of providing criminal gangs with information about Canadians who support Khalistan, who were then targeted by the gangs. Although Canadian officials say the proof is usually weak, India has regularly accused Canada of providing sanctuary to pro-Khalistan individuals that New Delhi wants deported.
"Disappointing": Canadian Indian High Commission
"As in previous years, the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto, along with the High Commission of India in Ottawa, have organized and planned consular camps during this period for the convenience of local life certificate beneficiaries (both Canadian and Indian)," the High Commission of India in Ottawa stated in its statement. Since these events are part of regular diplomatic operations, Canadian officials were asked to put strong security measures in place well in advance, given the country's present security situation.
"We saw a violent disturbance outside the consular camp, which was co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, close to Toronto, today (November 3), which was planned by anti-Indian extremists.
"As in previous years, the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto, along with the High Commission of India in Ottawa, have organized and planned consular camps during this period for the convenience of local life certificate beneficiaries (both Canadian and Indian)," the High Commission of India in Ottawa stated in its statement. Since these events are part of regular diplomatic operations, Canadian officials were asked to put strong security measures in place well in advance, given the country's present security situation.
"We saw a violent disturbance outside the consular camp, which was co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, close to Toronto, today (November 3), which was planned by anti-Indian extremists.
It is quite disheartening that these interruptions were permitted to impede the regular consular operations carried out by our Consulates in close collaboration with regional partners. Since Indian nationals are the main cause of these incidents, we continue to have grave concerns about their safety. Our Consulate was able to grant more than 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants in spite of these anti-Indian efforts.
On November 2-3, there were additional attempts to break up similar camps in Surrey and Vancouver.
"Further consular camps will depend on the security arrangements provided by local authorities in light of these incidents and the ongoing threats to Indian diplomats, officials, venue organizers, and local attendees."
On November 2-3, there were additional attempts to break up similar camps in Surrey and Vancouver.
"Further consular camps will depend on the security arrangements provided by local authorities in light of these incidents and the ongoing threats to Indian diplomats, officials, venue organizers, and local attendees."
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