Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X on Monday and condemned the attack on a temple in Canada’s Brampton that took place on Sunday.
PM Modi also called the attack ‘deliberate’ and asked the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. 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.” PM Modi said.
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton by alleged Khalistani extremists and said that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident on Monday.
“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.” Trudeau said.
Earlier, the Peel Regional Police had said on X that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.
A protest occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday. Unverified videos circulated on social media showed demonstrators holding banners to support Khalistan, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The videos show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds of the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
The attack witnessed widespread condemnation by Canadian politicians, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.
“All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos,” Poilievre said on X.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also condemned the violence in a post on X that those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.
“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged,” Brown said.
The High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a firm statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple by “anti-India” elements.
“We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto.” The High Commission said.
The statement further added, “We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants...”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement said, “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday.”
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,” he added.
Union minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned the attack and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of dividing the Indian diaspora for his “dirty politics”.
In a post on X, the BJP minister said, “Justin Trudeau has successfully divided the Indian Diaspora in Canada for his dirty politics. Sikhs and Hindus live together in harmony in India but they are being pitched against each other in Canada.”
“Temples were being attacked. And nobody is ready to stop them. How they were chanting slogans and openly speaking about Khalistan. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
“These are some people (Khalistani elements) whom you are using. They are on your payroll,” Bittu said.
“After this incident, no image of your country (Canada) and your PM (Trudeau) is left,” he further said.
Reacting to the attack, the BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also expressed similar thoughts at a press conference at the party headquarters in Delhi when asked about the incident.
“We have seen how strongly and clearly a firm reply has been given to Canada while displaying India’s strength,”Bhatia said.
He said the BJP and its government take “tough steps” whenever it comes to persecution of Hindus or infringement of their rights.
“I think taking cognisance of this case also, India will put forth its stand very firmly and take steps whatever is necessary,” Bhatia added.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Monday said the “attack” on a Hindu temple in Canada was a cause of concern and alleged that the Indian consulate’s prior request to the Canadian administration for providing security was “intentionally” ignored.
VHP international president Alok Kumar said the attack was a cause of concern, more so because a consular camp had been organised by the Indian consulate at the temple.
“We had seen a statement by Prime Minister Trudeau on Deepawali. He noted that the Indo Canadians form the biggest migrant groups in Canada. He also said that they had become the greatest contributors to the life of Canada. And had assured them safety, and security. That has not happened,” Kumar said.
“We do believe that this may be rather intentional,” he said, adding, “We condemn the attack”.
The VHP chief criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and hoped that his government would take “firm and determined action” to stop the incidents of attack on Hindu temples in the country.
“We remind the Hindus there that the right to defend themselves is given to them by law,” he added.
