Canada Temple Attack: Hindu Organisations Ban Use Of Temples For Political Purposes

A Canadian Hindu organisation has banned the use of Hindu temples and institutions for political purposes after pro-Khalistani protestors clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton.

The Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNHC) has prohibited the use of Hindu temples and institutions across the country for political purposes by politicians. The decision comes after protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton. 

On Sunday, the CNCH, Hindu Federation along with temple leaders and Hindu advocacy groups issued a statement on Sunday stating that the recent incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of Canada’s Hindu community. 

"Today, the Hindu Sabha Temple on Gore Road in Brampton was targeted by anti-Hindu, pro-Khalistani protestors in a violent incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of Canada’s Hindu community. The protestors reportedly gathered at the temple’s main entrance, forcibly entered the premises, and physically assaulted temple members and visitors, leaving the community shaken and demanding action," the statement read. 

It further said that the attack comes in a series of such incidents aimed at Hindu Canadians "who have faced an increasing wave of violence in recent years." 

"Following today’s attack, the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH) & Hindu Federation along with temple leaders and Hindu advocacy groups, has issued a powerful statement: Hindu temples and 
institutions across Canada will no longer permit politicians to use temple facilities for political purposes," it said. 

"Politicians, regardless of party affiliation, may continue to visit as devotees, but they will no longer have access to temple platforms until they demonstrate concrete efforts to address the issue of Khalistani extremism," the statement read. 

The incident was condemned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.
 
"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 in a post on X. 

The High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a strong statement condemning the attack by "anti-India" elements.