The recent attack at Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada’s Brampton near Toronto by some pro-Khalistanis was “deeply concerning”, said External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
The attack on the Hindu temple came amid escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada.
‘Deeply concerning’
“What happened yesterday (October 3) at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning,” Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Australia, said.
Videos of violence from outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton showed protesters with Khalistani flags throwing punches on others, including women and children, and hitting some with flagpoles.
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‘Allegations without providing specifics’
Hitting out at Canada, Jaishankar said that the country has developed a pattern of making allegations against India without furnishing any details or proof.
“Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics,” Jaishankar said after the conclusion of the 15th India – Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.
‘Political space given to extremists in Canada’
Jaishankar further hinted that the diplomatic ties between India and Canada touched a new low due to 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.
Indian diplomats put under surveillance by Canada ‘unacceptable’
Jaishankar also said that it was “unacceptable” that Indian diplomats had been placed under surveillance by Canada.
“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 also criticised “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats in that country.
“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.
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Moments before PM Modi’s condemnation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian government “condemns acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists”, and called on its Canadian counterpart to ensure all places of worship are adequately protected.
“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.
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India condemns violence at Hindu Temple in Canada’s Brampton, calls for protection of places of worship
Earlier on Monday, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said that the “violent disruption” to the consular camp came despite an advance request for strong security measures, and that it feared for Indian citizens’ safety.
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Meanwhile, the Canadian Police, so far, have arrested three people in connection with the violence. Peel Regional Police said that the people were arrested in connection with assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.
Also, Sergeant Harinder Sohi, a Peel Regional Police officer in Canada, who was seen participating with the pro-Khalistani groups that attacked Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, has been suspended.
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Peel Police suspended after participating in protest at Brampton Hindu temple
Sohi was caught on camera holding a Khalistan flag, while others in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. Following the suspension, Sohi, an 18-year veteran of the force, reportedly received death threats on social media, prompting the Peel Regional Police Association to offer “assistance and protection”.
With inputs from agencies.
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