A violent incident involving a group of men carrying pro-Khalistani flags occurred on Sunday at the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Road in Brampton, Canada. The attack targeted devotees and has ignited widespread outrage, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Khalistani movement and the Hindu community in Canada.
This incident is not isolated but part of a disturbing trend. In recent years, there have been several attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, including an earlier case of vandalism in Windsor that featured anti-India graffiti. Temples in Mississauga and Brampton have also faced similar threats, leading to strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. In December of last year, gunfire was reported at the residence of Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, adding to the climate of fear.
Indian diplomats in Canada have faced increasing scrutiny from Khalistani supporters, especially following the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year in Vancouver. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has blamed Indian agents for the killing, although no evidence has been provided.
The situation escalated last month when Canadian authorities identified the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in the investigation into Nijjar's murder. India dismissed these allegations as "preposterous," attributing them to Trudeau’s political agenda. In response, India recalled its High Commissioner and several diplomats, asserting that their safety was compromised by Canadian actions and expelled six Canadian diplomats in return.
The recent attack on the Hindu temple is viewed as a direct assault on a consular camp that the Indian High Commission organized to assist senior citizens in the community. The High Commission had previously requested adequate security measures from Canadian authorities to protect these routine consular events. In a statement, they expressed deep disappointment over the violent disruptions, emphasizing the need for safety for all participants.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a known Khalistani activist and member of the organization Sikhs for Justice, had previously warned against Hindu celebrations like Diwali, threatening disruptions at temples. He has openly supported Trudeau and has been making increasingly aggressive statements against Canadian Hindus, calling for Hindus to return to India.
The attacks reflect a broader campaign to intimidate the Hindu community and exacerbate anti-India sentiments among the Sikh population in Canada. Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned the recent attack, suggesting that Khalistani extremists have infiltrated Canadian law enforcement. He criticized the leniency shown towards these extremists under the guise of freedom of expression, raising concerns about their growing boldness.
Critics argue that Trudeau’s government has compromised India-Canada relations to win support from Khalistani voters. Security analyst Joe Adam George pointed out that Trudeau’s decisions, such as downplaying the threat of Khalistani extremism, have undermined Canadian national security and ignored decades of warnings from India regarding the movement's activities in Canada.
Ujjal Dosanjh, an Indian-origin politician and former premier of British Columbia, has spoken out about Trudeau’s lack of understanding regarding the majority of Sikhs in Canada. He criticized Trudeau for allowing Khalistani ideology to dominate the narrative, making it difficult for moderate Sikhs to speak out without fear of retaliation.
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council has publicly condemned the attack on the Brampton Hindu temple, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and mutual respect within the community.
