PM Trudeau Condemns Brampton Temple Attack, Declares Violence Unacceptable in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday termed the assault by Khalistani radicals targeting Hindu devotees at Brampton's temple "senseless violence", stating, "acts of violence just have no place in the country".

Sunday had witnessed the alleged Khalistani fans targeting the group of devotees of Hindu Sabha Mandir which drew angry reaction from many quarters of the society.

It is upon us all to ensure everyone in this country has a right and freedom to worship his God whoever it may be based on belief. On X, Trudeau tweeted, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice his faith freely and safely." He appreciated the Peel Regional Police, who responded swiftly to protect the community and investigate this incident.

Earlier, Canadian Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, terming it "completely unacceptable." Poilievre further stated that Conservatives condemned the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos. In a post on X, Poilievre wrote, "Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today." He concluded, "All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos."

The leader of People's Party of Canada (PPC), Maxime Bernier, shared a video on X of Khalistani extremists attacking Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton and added that such incidents cannot deter Canadian citizens because diversity is the nation's strength. He further shared a sarcastic message on X that read, "Khalistani Sikhs attacking worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple. Nothing to worry about though because DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH!!!

Condemning the attack on the temple in Brampton, a nonprofit organization in Canada working for the welfare of Hindus, Hindu Forum Canada called upon PM Trudeau to take action against Khalistani extremists and protect Canadian citizens. The Hindu Forum Canada also posted a video on X, which states, "Very disturbing images! #Khalistanis have attacked devotees at #HinduSabhaTemple, Brampton. This is unacceptable! @PeelPolice @patrickbrownont @JustinTrudeau @fordnation - Take action and protect Canadians."

Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has also condemned the attack on the Brampton temple saying that Khalistani extremists "have crossed a red line" while underlining that brazen violent extremism was on the rise in Canada. Arya shared a video of the attack on X and wrote, "A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada." He added, "I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies."

He added, "No wonder that under the 'freedom of expression' Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada. As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and assert their rights and hold politicians accountable."

This recent attack is one of a series of similar incidents documented in recent years and speaks to a disturbing trend of religious intolerance in Canada. In July, Arya voiced deep concern over the violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities, noting in a post on X: "The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti."

Last year, there was an incident in which anti-India graffiti appeared at a temple in Windsor, evoking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. In earlier incidents, similar temples in Mississauga and Brampton had been targeted, infuriating the Indian community in Canada.