Brampton temple attack: Hindu groups call for protest against ‘Khalistan intimidation’

In the wake of the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) today called for a peaceful protest in solidarity against “Khalistin intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” hatred.

Monday’s protest was called at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey.

“Join a peaceful protest tomorrow, November 4th at 6pm at the Hindu Temple Sabha, Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Surrey,” CoHNA posted on X.

“After a day of violence against Hindu temples in Canada, let’s unite against Khalistani intimidation and anti-Hindu hatred,” the document added.

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The Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada witnessed a “violent disruption” on Sunday (local time) in Brampton, near Toronto.Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organization working for the Hindu community in Canada, released a video of the attack on the temple and said Khalistan terrorists attacked children and women.

The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the “violent disturbances” by “anti-Indian” elements outside the consular camp. The High Commission also said that any further action would be organized “depending on the security measures” taken by local authorities.

“Today (November 3), we witnessed a violent disturbance organized by anti-Indian elements outside the consular camp organized jointly with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto,” the High Commission said in a statement.

“It is deeply disappointing that such disruptions are allowed for the normal advisory work organized by our consulate in full cooperation with local co-organizers. We also remain deeply concerned about the safety of the applicants, including Indian nationals, at whose request such events are organized in the first place,” the statement added. The incident drew widespread criticism in Canada and abroad. Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it “completely unacceptable”.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya also condemned the attack on the temple and said Khalistan extremists had “crossed a red line,” underscoring the rise of brazen violent extremism in Canada.

Kevin Vuong, a member of the Canadian Parliament, also condemned the attack and said that “Canada has become a safe haven for radicals” and said that the country’s leaders have failed to protect Hindus just as they have failed to protect Christians and Canadian Jews.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the recent attack by Khalistan extremists on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. Emphasizing the importance of religious freedom, Trudeau argued that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

Sharing the post on X, Trudeau wrote: “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 Peel Regional Police for their quick response to protect the community and investigate this incident.”

The recent attack added to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, highlighting a worrying trend of religious intolerance.