India 'highly concerned' after extremist attack in Canada

The Indian High Commission in Canada has condemned the "violent disruption" by 'anti-India' elements outside a consular camp in Brampton and raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the country.

The incident occurred on Sunday (local time) outside a consular camp organised in collaboration with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.

The High Commission said that any further events will be organised "contingent on security arrangements" made by the local authorities.

"We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto," the statement by the High Commission.

The statement also highlighted other incidents of disruption during a consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.

The Indian mission said it is "deeply disappointing" that such disruptions "being allowed" for routine consular work.

"It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our consulate with the fullest cooperation of the local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place," the statement added.

The High Commission also confirmed that despite the disruption, more than a 1000 life certifications were issued to Indian and Canadian applicants.

"In light of these incidents and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organised are well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities," the statement read.

Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani terrorists attacked kids and women.

The incident sparked widespread criticism in and outside Canada.

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it "completely unacceptable."

Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya also condemned the attack on the temple and said that a "red line has been crossed" by Khalistani extremists, highlighting the rise of brazen violent extremism in Canada.

Kevin Vuong, Toronto MP also condemned the attack and asserted that "Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals" and asserted that the country's leaders have failed to protect Hindus just like they failed to safeguard Christians and Jewish Canadians.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton by Khalistani extremists. Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, Trudeau asserted that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

Sharing a post on X, Trudeau wrote, "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," the post added.

The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance.

(ANI)