New Delhi: Following an attack at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and reiterating Canada’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom. The incident has fueled concerns about the safety of Hindu-Canadians amid ongoing tensions between India and Canada.
Police forces were heavily deployed at the temple after viral videos showed men breaching the temple gates and allegedly assaulting worshippers inside. While no arrests have been made, Peel Regional Police confirmed that they are investigating the matter but have not assigned blame to any particular group.
Chandra Arya, an MP from Trudeau’s Liberal Party, highlighted the deep-rooted extremism in Canada, stating that Hindu-Canadians must stand together to protect their rights and hold political leaders accountable. Arya further alleged that extremist elements have penetrated Canada’s political and law enforcement systems.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown urged law enforcement to seek maximum penalties for those responsible, underscoring Canada’s foundational value of religious freedom. “Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship,” Brown stated in a post on X.
Other prominent Canadian leaders also responded to the incident. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre vowed to restore unity, while Toronto MP Kevin Vuong noted that Canada has increasingly become a “safe harbor for radicals,” calling on leaders to do more to protect all faith communities.
The temple attack occurs as diplomatic tensions escalate between India and Canada. Recently, Canada identified India as a cyberthreat adversary and alleged New Delhi’s involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a naturalized Canadian citizen. Incidents of anti-India graffiti and attacks on temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton have also intensified concerns within Canada’s Hindu community.
As investigations continue, calls for unity and security for places of worship remain at the forefront of Canadian discourse.
