Amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, a series of violent protests and demonstrations took place in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada on Sunday. The first protests started at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, during a visit by Indian consular officials.
Reports suggest that violent confrontations took place between people holding banners and flags in support of Khalistan and other individuals, some holding the Indian flag. Videos circulating online show fistfights and confrontations between people armed with poles.
Later in the day, a protest also took place in neighboring Mississauga, and then another outside Malton gurdwara, on the Airport Road in Mississauga. Law enforcement authorities have arrested three individuals so far, and charged them with assault with a weapon; mischief over $5,000; and causing a disturbance and assaulting a peace officer.
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Following the string of protests that police think are connected, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on a Hindu temple. Alluding to the diplomatic fallout between the two countries, he also wrote in a post on X, “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 law.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the protests on social media. “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.”
Prominent Sikh politician and leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh echoed Trudeau: “Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.”