Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Indian MEA React to Brampton Temple Clash and Priest Suspension
When pro-Khalistan protesters and temple visitors clashed during an event with Indian embassy officials in Brampton, Canada, a Hindu priest was suspended. Both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the clashes by criticising the violence and demanding peace and accountability.
Following an incident at the Hindu Sabha Temple on November 3 where protesters allegedly carrying Khalistani flags stopped a consular ceremony arranged by the Indian Consulate and temple administrators then the Hindu priest was placed on suspension.
News agencies claim that unverified social media images showed people carrying Khalistan-supporting flags while fistfights and people striking eachother broke out on the temple grounds.
The Hindu Sabha Mandir confirmed the priest’s suspension in a statement on Wednesday, pointing to his “controversial involvement” in the incident.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada condemned the violence and reaffirmed that everyone should be allowed to follow their religion “freely and safely.” He pledged support to guarantee community safety and praised local authorities for responding quickly to the catastrophe.
When Indian embassy officials were visiting the temple, a group called Sikhs for Justice started a protest which sparked the fight. Shortly the Peel police arrived on the site and kept the peace and evacuated the protesters.
The assault was condemned as well by the ministry of external affairs who expressed “deep concern” for Indian nationals safety in Canada. In response to calls for accountability, the ministry declared that those who committed the violence “will be prosecuted.”
The current conflict highlights the already tense diplomatic ties between Canada and India which got worse when Trudeau raised the possibility of a “potential” connection between Indian agents and the September murder of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India has flatly denied as “absurd.”
India insists that Canada’s acceptance of pro-Khalistan organisations operating inside its borders is the primary cause of the crisis.
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