New Delhi: When the counselor camp was going on near the Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, Khalistan supporters suddenly arrived and attacked the pilgrims and other Indians with sticks. He also attacked women and children. Some people demonstrated in memory of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following the attack. India criticized the attack on the temple and accused Canada of harassing Khalistanis. Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, condemned the incident.
As can be seen in the video, a mob arrived carrying Khalistan flags and sticks and started indiscriminately beating pilgrims, including others. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers also targeted women and children. Many people ran inside the temple to escape. However, some people opposed these invaders.
Trudeau condemned the violence and reiterated that all people in Canada have the right to practice their religious practices. He also appreciated the prompt action of the police who reached the spot without any delay and controlled the situation. The incident escalated communal tensions and regional police chief Nishan Duraipappa issued a warning against those committing illegal acts and stressed the need for the protests to be peaceful.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also criticized the attack and promised unity and safety for people of all religions in Canada. Canada's Transport Minister Anita Anand expressed concern and stressed on providing safe places of worship for all religious communities.
Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya took a tough stance and said that Khalistan supporters in Canada have crossed the border, which is threatening peace and security in Canada. Additionally, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also expressed disappointment, reiterating that Canada is committed to providing freedom and safety to all citizens in their place of worship.
The incident has further soured relations between India and Canada, with India accusing Canada of promoting Khalistani extremism. Trudeau ally and Sikh MP Jagmeet Singh criticized the attack and called for peace.