A pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton turned violent on Sunday, drawing a sharp reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and across-the-spectrum condemnation from Canadian politicians including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Indian consulate-general in Toronto was conducting a camp at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, with the temple’s collaboration, to issue life certificates to pensioners. The Indian high commission said the “violent disruption” was “orchestrated by anti-India elements”.

“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,” Modi posted on X.

In Delhi, the external affairs ministry condemned the “acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists” and called on the Canadian government to “ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted.”

Stating that India remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, the ministry said: “The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence.”

The camp was the fourth in a series of 15 such camps the consulate had planned for the entire month across the Canadian provinces of Ontario (where Brampton is located), Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

Following the violence, the Indian high commission in Ottawa said in a statement that the organisation of the remaining camps would depend on the security arrangements made by local authorities.

“In light of these incidents, and with the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats & officials, local venue organisers as well as local attendees, organisation of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities,” the statement said.

It added that attempts had also been made to disrupt similar camps at Vancouver and Surrey (both in British Columbia) over the weekend.

The Indian mission had sought strong security measures in advance for the Brampton camp keeping in mind the “prevailing security situation in Canada”.

Citing video footage, various Canadian media outlets reported that pro-Khalistani protesters had clashed with others holding the Indian Tricolour at the temple.

CBC Canada quoted the outlawed-in-India, pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice as saying the protesters were demonstrating against Indian consulate officials undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services, such as helping seniors access their pensions.

“Sikhs for Justice alleged Hindu nationalists had provoked the fighting and has claimed Indian officials use visits to religious sites to find informants to target Sikh separatists. The Indian high commission in Ottawa did not immediately respond to the claims,” the CBC report said.

“The group is asking that Indian consular officials be barred from undertaking work outside of their diplomatic premises, arguing external site visits ‘directly endanger the safety and security of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada’.”

Indian consulates organise such camps in gurudwaras, too, essentially choosing sites frequented by the Indian community to try and reach out to people who need these services. On Saturday, one such camp was set up in a temple and a gurudwara each in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

With India-Canada relations already fraught, Canadian politicians responded in almost a chorus of condemnation.

In a post on X, Trudeau said: "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."

In a separate post on X, Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre said: "Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. 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."

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party who is perceived as a Khalistan sympathiser, said: "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."

None of these Canadian party leaders identified the protesters as Khalistani. Nor did the Indian high commission in its statement, preferring to call them "anti-India elements".

Trudeau’s party colleague Chandra Arya was an exception.

"A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada," Chandra said.

"I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to the Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies. No wonder that under the 'freedom of expression' Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada. As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and assert their rights and hold politicians accountable."

Demonstrations have been planned for Monday evening at the Brampton and Surrey temples "against Khalistani attack on Hindu temples on Diwali weekend".