He is the priest of a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton. He has been suspended for spreading "violent rhetoric" as clashes erupted between protesters with Khalistani flags and people present there recently.
On November 3, the protest took place at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and leaked videos on social media appeared to show protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan. The fist fights and people hitting each other with poles were shown at what would seem to be the grounds surrounding the temple.
Pro-Khalistani flag-wielding protesters clashed with people and stormed into a consular event co-hosted by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.
On Wednesday, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Hindu Sabha Mandir issued a statement announcing the suspension was because of the priest's "controversial involvement" with protestors on Sunday but added no details.
He said that the priest distributed "violent rhetoric," urging the community to not react to violence and hate, commenting on X.
"This is the kind of responsible leadership. Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in peace and don't have any dealings with violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir President Madhusudan Lama suspended the pundit who propagated such violent speech. The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council condemned the incidence of violence at the Hindu Sabha on Sunday night," Brown said in the post.
"Remember we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we can't let the agitators fuel the flames of division. The leadership of both Sikh and Hindu communities in the GTA do not want this division, hate and violence. I am asking everyone in the community to not respond to violence and hate. Law enforcement will be there to respond. This is their job.". It further noted, "We must continue to be the country where the rule of law is followed."
Violence erupted initially at the Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice staged a protest when Indian consular officials visited. Officers were dispatched to the property around noon, Peel police said.
The Sunday incident was denounced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said every Canadian has the right to practice their religion freely and safely.
Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.
India condemned the attack with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted.".
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday, New Delhi remains "deeply concerned" over the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.
The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd.".
The real issue between the two countries, India has been insisting, is that Canada is giving an unguided and unchecked play to elements pro-Khalistan operating from the Canadian soil with impunity.
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