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

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.”

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.

‘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.

“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.”