Canada Suspends Police Officer for Attending Pro-Khalistan Protest Outside Hindu Temple

A Peel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi from Canada was suspended after joining in with a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, which resulted in scuffles between protesters carrying Khalistani flags and people at the temple, who had attended the Sunday (November 5) consular event, jointly hosted by the temple and the Indian Consulate. The police confirmed this case and said they "cannot comment further until investigation is over."

Videos on social media showed protesters holding placards with Khalistan language written on them protesting visitors to the temple. The Peel Police issued a statement stating, "They were aware of a video circulating on social media showing an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration." Media Relations Officer Richard Chin said, "This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act."

After the protest in Brampton, protesters went into Mississauga as well, and more protests outside of the Malton gurdwara. "According to Peel Regional Police, arrests were made and charges laid against three people, including assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.".

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the attacks and appealed for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. It has urged Canada to ensure safety at places of worship. For External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the situation is "deeply concerning".

A post in X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the violence as saying, "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law."

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister also condemned the violence via his tweet. Chandra Arya, a member of Parliament in Canada, strongly criticized the increasing radical activities being undertaken by the pro-Khalistan groups in the country.

India-Canada relations strained

The killing has strained already tense relations between Canada and India. Last year, Trudeau said in Parliament that India had a role to play in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, allegations India called "absurd" and "motivated." India has also accused Canada of letting extremist elements operate within its borders.

Ties between India and Canada have sharply gone down following Royal Canadian Mounted Police making allegations without evidence about an assassination on their soil. Designated as a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey last year.