Disturbances erupt at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. Screengrab: Chandra Arya via @AryaCanada/X
On November 3, 2024, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media to denounce the recent violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, located near Toronto, deeming it “unacceptable.” The skirmishes, which transpired during a protest, have been attributed by various leaders to Sikh activists, revealing a deepening rift within the community.
In response to the tensions, local law enforcement in Brampton, approximately 50 km (30 miles) northwest of Toronto, mobilized a heavy police presence around the Hindu Sabha Mandir to ensure public safety and prevent further conflict during the demonstration.
A spokesman for the Peel Regional Police confirmed to AFP that, as of now, no arrests had occurred in connection with the violence. Authorities have refrained from placing blame on any particular group amidst ongoing investigations.
In a poignant statement on X, Mr. Trudeau asserted, “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.” His remarks came as a relief to many citizens who have been voicing concerns over safety within their places of worship.
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
Chandra Arya, a federal lawmaker and a member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party, pointedly criticized the violence, blaming it on “Khalistanis,” referring to supporters of the radical separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. This incident has once again highlighted the significant rifts within the diaspora.
Relations between Canada and India have further deteriorated following allegations from Ottawa accusing the Indian government of orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pivotal Khalistan activist, in Vancouver in 2023. The ongoing diplomatic spat has drawn public attention to the broader issues of safety and civil rights for Sikhs in Canada.
Beyond Nijjar’s killing, Canada has alleged that India has been running a comprehensive campaign aimed at Sikh activists on Canadian turf, which Ottawa claims involves intimidation, threats, and reported physical assaults. This development has heightened fears among the Sikh community about the limits on their freedom of expression and safety.
Mr. Arya emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.” As someone identifying as Hindu, he voiced that “the attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada,” pointing to an alarming trend of escalating violence.
Video footage circulating online captures moments of chaos, showing individuals waving yellow Khalistan flags clashing violently with another group, which included demonstrators holding Indian flags. Distressing scenes of isolated fistfights further illustrate the breakdown of peaceful protest.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.
The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada.
I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024
Mr. Trudeau also accused the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of infringing upon Canadian sovereignty, reflecting deep frustrations within Canadian circles regarding India’s alleged interventions in domestic matters. This accusation adds another layer to the already fraught diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In contrast, India has firmly dismissed these allegations, reiterating its stance on the sanctity of its sovereignty. The ongoing diplomatic crisis has seen both countries expel each other’s ambassadors and senior diplomats, signaling a stark low in historically complex relations.
Published – November 4, 2024 09:41 am IST
**Interview with Chandra Arya: Federal Lawmaker and Liberal Party Member on Recent Violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Arya. The recent violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton has raised serious concerns. Can you share your thoughts on what happened?
**Chandra Arya:** Thank you for having me. The events that unfolded at the Hindu Sabha Mandir are deeply troubling. We witnessed a significant breach of safety and faith, and I firmly believe that such violence is completely unacceptable.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Trudeau described the acts of violence as “unacceptable” and reinforced the right of all Canadians to practice their faith safely. How important is government support in such instances?
**Chandra Arya:** Government support is crucial. It signals to communities that their safety is a priority and that violence will not be tolerated. Our Prime Minister’s swift condemnation of the events sends a strong message that we must stand united against extremist actions, regardless of their origins.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your statement that Khalistani extremists were responsible for the violence. Could you elaborate on the implications of this for the Sikh community in Canada?
**Chandra Arya:** Absolutely. My characterization of the attackers as “Khalistani extremists” is rooted in a reality that we cannot overlook—the radical elements within the Sikh diaspora that seek to promote separatism at the cost of public safety and harmony. This incident not only creates a rift within our communities but also puts moderate Sikhs at risk, as they face harassment from both sides of the spectrum.
**Interviewer:** With mounting tensions between Canada and India over issues related to Sikh activists, how do you believe this incident will affect relations further?
**Chandra Arya:** This incident, unfortunately, highlights ongoing tensions. The allegations surrounding India’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar have already strained relations. Events like the violence at the Mandir only serve to polarize both communities further, creating a breeding ground for mistrust and fear. It is crucial that we approach the matter with a clear focus on safety and openness, rather than allowing fear to dictate our interactions.
**Interviewer:** How can the Canadian government ensure the safety of its citizens of all faiths in light of recent violence?
**Chandra Arya:** The government must take a proactive approach— by increasing police presence at places of worship, ensuring thorough investigations into acts of violence, and fostering dialogue between different community leaders to bridge gaps and build understanding. We must work together to dispel myths about each other’s beliefs and fears.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Arya, thank you for your insights. The situation is indeed complex, and clarity and communication will be key moving forward.
**Chandra Arya:** Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we continue discussing these issues openly and constructively.
