Brampton temple cancels consular event over fears of violent protests

The temple expressed regret to the community, saying, “We apologize to all community members who were depending on the event. We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada.”

They further appealed to local law enforcement: “We call on Peel Police to address the threats being circulated against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu Community and the general public.”

The decision to cancel follows an incident on November 3, when a consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton was disrupted by violence, prompting widespread criticism both in Canada and India.

Earlier, the Indian High Commission in Canada had also issued a statement saying that they would be either cancelling or postponing such consular events in view of the advisory issued by the Peel police.

Later this week, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown will be bringing a motion in the City council to pass a bylaw banning protests outside places of worship.

He told Toronto Star, “I put forward a motion that will be voted on. I expect it to be unanimously passed, prohibiting protests at places of worship.”

Brampton witnessed sectarian violence last week following a clash at the Hindu Sabha temple when pro-Khalistan protesters from the Sikhs for Justice sought to disrupt the consular event taking place in the basement of the temple.

The Peel police have so far arrested four persons including the coordinator of the SFJ in this connection.