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The recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada has sparked widespread condemnation, with Indian leaders voicing their concerns and calling for swift action from the Canadian government. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a statement on November 5, 2024, denounced the incident, characterizing it as an 'assault on the values of peace, respect and unity.' He urged the Canadian government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities within its borders. The attack, which occurred on November 3 in Brampton, involved protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashing with individuals at the Hindu Sabha temple, disrupting a consular event co-organized by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.
The incident has further strained relations between India and Canada, which have been under pressure due to allegations of Canadian support for Khalistani separatists. India has accused Canada of harboring and supporting these separatists, while Canada has been critical of India's handling of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated a terrorist by India. The attack on the temple has served as a stark reminder of the rising tensions between the two countries.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, echoing the concerns of the Indian government, strongly condemned the attack and called for India to engage with the Canadian government to prevent similar incidents in the future. He acknowledged the large Punjabi diaspora in Canada and emphasized that nobody desires such violence to occur in a place considered a second home by many Punjabis. The attack has highlighted the delicate balance between protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of religious communities, a challenge facing many countries with diverse populations. The incident also underscores the need for diplomatic engagement and dialogue between countries to address issues of extremism and prevent such acts of violence from escalating further.
Source: Canada temple attack an assault on values of peace, unity: Goa CM Pramod Sawant