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The attack on a Hindu temple in Canada has sparked widespread condemnation, with Indian officials voicing their concerns and calling for swift action from the Canadian government. The incident, which occurred on November 3, 2024 in Brampton, involved protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashing with people at the Hindu Sabha temple and disrupting a consular event co-organized by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate. This event, which aimed to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between India and Canada, was marred by the violence and disruption orchestrated by the protestors.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his strong disapproval of the attack, stating that it is unacceptable and represents a direct assault on the values of peace, respect, and unity that are fundamental to a civilized society. He urged the Canadian government to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities within its borders. This call for action echoes the sentiments of many who view the attack as a direct threat to religious freedom and harmony within Canada.
The attack on the Hindu temple comes at a time when India-Canada relations are already strained due to allegations of Canadian support for Khalistani separatists and accusations of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated a terrorist by India. This backdrop of mistrust and tension has exacerbated the impact of the temple attack, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation of tensions between the two nations. The Indian government has expressed its strong condemnation of the attack, demanding that the Canadian government address the issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, recognizing the large Punjabi population in Canada, also condemned the attack and urged the Indian government to take up the matter with the Canadian government. The incident has sparked widespread outrage within the Indian community, highlighting the need for the Canadian government to take concrete steps to address the growing concerns about religious intolerance and the rise of extremist groups within its borders.
Source: Canada temple attack an assault on values of peace, unity: Goa CM Pramod Sawant