Screengrab of video showing an assailant using what looks like a Khalistani flag to beat another person
Credit: X/@AryaCanada
Khalistani separatists attacked Hindu devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Canada's Brampton -- around 50 km northwest of Toronto.
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.
Chandra Arya, a Member of the Parliament there, shared the clip and said a 'red line has been crossed.'
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also slammed the incident on an X post, saying "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."
He also thanked the law enforcement for their prompt response, saying, "Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident."
Peel Regional Police said on 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.
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.
Reacting to the news, the Indian High Commission there, put out a release saying it was 'deeply disappointing'.
Letter from Indian High Commission
Credit: X/@ANI
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also condemned the incident.
Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) reaction
Credit: X/@ANI
The news of this attack comes amid tensions between India and Canada, with the latter pointing fingers at the Modi government for the alleged plot to kill Khalistanis in Canada -- a plan in which Home Minister Amit Shah has now been implicated as well.
As a result of this, the diplomatic relation between the nations has nosedived, with India saying that consular members in Canada remain under surveillance, even as Canada has flagged fears of a government-backed hacking attempt.
(With PTI inputs)