NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada.
"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 the law," said PM Modi on Monday.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has said it is deeply disappointed to see disruptions of a consular camp that it had organised at a temple in Brampton by Khalistani activists.
"We have seen the violent disruptions today orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto. It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work, organised by our Consulates with fullest cooperation of local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demands such events are organised," said the Indian High Commission through a statement on Monday.
Notwithstanding the mayhem created by anti-India elements, the Indian consulate managed to issue more than 1000 certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants.
India has said that there were attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey.
In light of these incidents and with the continued threats posed to Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organisers as well as attendees, the organisation of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities, said the High Commission.
In videos that have gone viral, Khalistani activists can be seen chasing people with sticks on the premises of the temple on Sunday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre have condemned the attack.
“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," said Trudeau.
“Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu temple in Brampton,” said Poilievre.
A Canadian MP Kevin Vuong said Canada was becoming a safe haven for radicals, adding that leaders had failed to protect Hindus.
Meanwhile, former Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh said the majority of Sikhs have nothing to do with Khalistan.
“A silent majority of Sikhs do not want to have anything to do with Khalistan. They just don’t speak out because they are afraid of violence and violent repercussions,” said Dosanjh, a 78-year-old Sikh living in Vancouver, British Colombia.