'Deeply Concerned About Safety Of Indian Nationals': MEA Reacts To Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada

The MEA statement comes after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a temple in Canada. The ministry said it is deeply concerned about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday condemned the acts of violence by "extremists and separatists" at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and called the Canadian government to ensure that all the places of worship are protected from such attacks.

The MEA statement comes after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton in Canada. Several videos circulating online showed a mob, wielding sticks and rods, attacking Hindu devotees outside the temple. Several people in the mob are also seen carrying flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. 

The ministry said that it remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.

"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. 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 MEA statement said on Monday. 

"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 MEA statement added.

Earlier in the day, the Indian High Commission in Canada strongly condemned the incident, saying it was "deeply disappointing" to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work organised by Indian Consulates.

In its statement, the High Commission remarked, “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 videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

Meanwhile, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.

"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," Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday.