Canadian PM Trudeau condemns violence at Brampton Hindu temple
Says every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely
Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton by alleged Khalistani extremists and said that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added. Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.
“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday.
The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024
Peel Regional Police said on X Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.
“We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X Sunday after the videos began circulating.
“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a post on X Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.
“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship.” The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton witnessed widespread condemnation by Canadian politicians, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.
“Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos,” Poilievre said on X.
Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple by “anti-India” elements. This incident disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian consulate.