Violent clashes at Brampton Hindu temple amid visit by Indian consul officers; ‘disappointing’, says Indian High Commission

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all condemned the violence in posts on X. Protests at Surrey as well

Groups of demonstrators, including supporters of Khalistan and others waving India’s national flag, clashing on the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. (Twitter/ Screengrab/ @AryaCanada)

The leaders of Canada’s three main federal parties denounced violent clashes that erupted Sunday during a visit by Indian consular officials to a Hindu temple in Brampton, a Toronto suburb.

In a a statement on Sunday following the clashes, the High Commission of India in Ottawa said it is “deeply disappointing that such disruptions were allowed to interfere with routine consular work.”

Footage shared on social media shows groups of demonstrators, including supporters of Khalistan and others waving India’s national flag, clashing on the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple. In some clips, people appear to be engaged in fistfights and using poles in the confrontation.

Sikhs for Justice, a banned group advocating for Khalistan, said its supporters were protesting the presence of Indian consular officials, who had come to the temple to offer administrative services, including pension assistance for seniors.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh all condemned the violence in posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. Trudeau stressed that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” Poilievre denounced the violence “targeting worshippers” and promised to “end the chaos,” while Jagmeet Singh also issued a strong condemnation.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the violence as “completely unacceptable”. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment about the “acts of violence” outside the temple and urged that those responsible face the law’s full consequences.

Peel Regional Police, responsible for law enforcement in Brampton, reported that no arrests or charges had been made but pledged to investigate “any acts of violence or threats.”

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Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah took to social media, saying violence will not be tolerated. “We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” he wrote, “those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.” He also said Peel police would have a “large” presence in the area, but no arrests had been announced.

Sikhs for Justice had earlier called for Indian consular officials to be restricted from operating outside their official premises, asserting that such visits pose a threat to pro-Khalistanis.

Meanwhile, Liberal MP Chandra Arya accused “Canadian Khalistani extremists” of attacking Hindus and argued they receive a “free pass” in Canada.

The clashes occurred during Diwali celebrations and against the backdrop of rising tensions between Canada and India. Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations that they passed information about
pro-Khalistan Canadians to criminal gangs, who then targeted those individuals. India has often accused Canada of sheltering pro-Khalistan figures New Delhi wants extradited, though Canadian officials claim evidence is frequently insufficient.

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‘Disappointing’: Indian High Commission in Canada

The High Commission of India in Ottawa, in its statement, said, “As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organised and planned consular camps during this period for the convenience of local life certificate beneficiaries (both Canadian and Indian). Given the current security situation in Canada, Canadian authorities were requested well in advance to implement strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work.

“Today (Nov 3), we witnessed a violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.

“It is deeply disappointing that such disruptions were allowed to interfere with routine consular work conducted by our Consulates in full cooperation with local partners. We remain seriously concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, who are the primary reason for these events. Despite these attempts by anti-India elements, our Consulate successfully issued over 1,000 life certificates to both Indian and Canadian applicants.

“There were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on Nov 2-3.

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“In light of these incidents and the ongoing threats to Indian diplomats, officials, venue organisers, and local attendees, further consular camps will depend on the security arrangements provided by local authorities.”

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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