CHANDIGARH: Less than two weeks after pro-Khalistan protesters disrupted a consular event outside the Hindu Sabha Temple, leading to violent clashes, two towns in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)—Brampton and Mississauga—have passed bylaws prohibiting protests outside places of worship.
Meanwhile, the tensions between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada have further intensified following the murder of a Khalistani supporter by a person from the other community, with the Canadian police arresting the accused.
The motion in Brampton, introduced by Mayor Patrick Brown, was passed unanimously. Brown noted, "In this country, we protect the right to protest as long as it does not infringe upon another right."
He had earlier expressed concern over the recent rise in sectarian violence in the city.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown wrote on X: "Yesterday at #Brampton Committee of Council, we unanimously passed a bylaw to ensure that the ability to pray at a place of worship remains sacred and safe from protest-related disruptions. Inspired by similar legislation passed in Vaughan, this bylaw would restrict protests at places of worship. Whether you go to a mandir, a gurdwara, a mosque, a synagogue, or a church, everyone deserves the right to pray free from violence, harassment, and intimidation."
Similarly, in Mississauga, a motion was passed directing city staff to explore the feasibility of implementing a bylaw that prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres—or within a reasonable distance—of places of worship.
This motion, moved by Councillor Dipika Damerla, a former provincial cabinet minister, and seconded by Councillor Natalie Hart, was passed unanimously by all ten members of the council.
Councillor Dipika Damerla wrote on X: "Breaking News: #Mississauga council just passed a motion directing staff to look at implementing a bylaw that bans all protests in front of all places of worship. This is leadership."
In another post, she added, "This new bylaw bans peaceful protests as well in front of places of worship."
This development follows a violent incident on November 3, when pro-Khalistani supporters clashed with Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton while protesting an Indian consular camp being held there.
In response, counter-protests were held the same night outside the Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Malton. A rally condemning the violence took place the following day at the Hindu Sabha Mandir.
Peel Regional Police (PRP) issued a statement addressing community concerns: "Peel Regional Police is aware of community concerns, particularly at places of worship, regarding demonstrations and perceived threats. Peel Regional Police wish to clarify that we have not received any direct threats against any place of worship in the Region of Peel."
The statement also noted, "Given the current tension in the community and a shared interest in maintaining public safety, the organisers agreed that Consular Camps be postponed to a later date to allow for tensions to ease and limit any negative impact on the community."
Meanwhile, owe Rajinder Kumar has been arrested by the Canadian police in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Rabinder Singh Malhi, a Khalistan supporter. Sources indicate that the murder took place on November 9, when Malhi was found injured at a house on Deer Ridge Trail, north of Highway 410 and Hurontario Street.
In addition to Kumar, his wife, Sheetal Verma, has been charged with obstruction of justice. The police have not revealed the motive behind the murder but stated that Kumar and Malhi were known to each other.
Peel Regional Police confirmed on Wednesday that Rajinder Kumar (47) and Sheetal Verma (35), both of Caledon, have been arrested. Kumar has been charged with second-degree murder, while Verma faces a charge of obstruction of justice. Kumar is in custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on November 18.
In a fundraising appeal on GoFundMe, Malhi's wife, Jaspreet Malhi, expressed her grief, "The heartbreak of losing him is compounded by the senseless nature of his death. As tensions rise within Brampton, misunderstanding and animosity around religion and identity have become disturbingly prevalent. Rabinder, a man of peace and respect, fell victim to a crime rooted in hate, a tragic loss that has shattered our family and left a void that words can barely begin to express. In a matter of moments, our world was torn apart."
