LAGATAR24 DESK
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday denounced the violence at a Hindu temple near Toronto, describing it as “unacceptable” and reaffirming that every citizen should have the right to practice their faith “freely and safely.” The incident at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple led to a strong police presence after a group of individuals, suspected to be Sikh activists, allegedly breached the temple’s gates and assaulted devotees.
Peel Regional Police confirmed that while investigations are ongoing, no arrests have been made, and no specific group has been blamed. “Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, calling for strict penalties against those responsible.
Leaders React to Rising Extremism Concerns
Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced concern over the “deep and brazen” rise in violent extremism, urging Hindu-Canadians to “assert their rights” and hold public officials accountable. He alleged that extremists have infiltrated Canada’s political and law enforcement systems, posing a threat to the community’s security.
Toronto MP Kevin Vuong echoed these concerns, asserting that “Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals.”Vuong criticized leaders for failing to protect Hindus, as well as Christians and Jewish Canadians, from religious violence. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to “unite the people and end the chaos.”
Incident Amid Diplomatic Strain with India
The attack on Brampton’s temple comes at a time of strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India. Last year, incidents of vandalism and anti-India graffiti at temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton sparked outrage among Canada’s Hindu community. Ottawa’s recent designation of New Delhi as a cyberthreat adversary and accusations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have only added to the tension.
