External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto, by individuals reportedly associated with pro-Khalistani groups, as "deeply concerning." This incident occurred against the backdrop of rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the vandalism of Hindu temples in Canada deeply concerning. Source: X | @DrSJaishankar
Extremely troubling
“What happened yesterday (October 3) at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning,” Jaishankar, currently on an official visit to Australia, stated.
Videos from outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton captured scenes of violence, showing protesters with Khalistani flags engaging in physical altercations, throwing punches, and striking others, including women and children, with flagpoles.
Claims made without specific details
Criticizing Canada, Jaishankar stated that the country has established a pattern of making accusations against India without providing any details or evidence.
While answering questions at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, Jaishankar commented, “Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without substantiating them. We find it unacceptable that our diplomats are reportedly under surveillance in Canada, and we are witnessing a disturbing allowance of political space for extremist groups there.”
Political opportunities afforded to extremists in Canada
Jaishankar suggested that the diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has reached a new low as a result of violent separatist activities.
“The political space today, which is being given to extremists forces,” he emphasised.
“We believe in freedom. We also believe that freedom should not be misused,” the minister said.
Canada's surveillance of Indian diplomats is deemed "unacceptable"
Jaishankar expressed that it was “unacceptable” for Canadian authorities to place Indian diplomats under surveillance.
“When we look at Canada, for us, the fact that they are putting diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable,” Jaishankar said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada” and criticized the “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats there.
“Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
Shortly before PM Modi’s statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared that the Indian government “condemns acts of violence committed by extremists and separatists” and urged the Canadian government to ensure the adequate protection of all places of worship.
“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” Jaiswal added.
Earlier on Monday, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa reported that the “violent disruption” of the consular camp occurred despite a prior request for enhanced security measures, expressing concerns for the safety of Indian citizens.
In the meantime, Canadian police have arrested three individuals in connection with the violence. Peel Regional Police stated these arrests were related to assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.
Additionally, Sergeant Harinder Sohi of the Peel Regional Police, who was seen participating with pro-Khalistani groups during the attack on Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, has been suspended. Sohi was recorded holding a Khalistan flag while protestors chanted anti-India slogans. Following the suspension, the 18-year veteran officer reportedly received death threats on social media, leading the Peel Regional Police Association to offer “assistance and protection.”
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