Khalistan Mob Attack Canada Temple, Brampton Temple Khalistan Mob Attack, Surrey Temple Arrest: Communal tensions have been flaring up in Canada's two cities Brampton and Surrey. On Sunday, a Pro Khalistani mob attacked Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Road in Canada's Brampton and also assaulted Hindu devotees present there. Soon, the video of the attack went viral on social media and Justin Trudeau's government came under the scanner. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in his tweet lauded Peel Police officers for containing the violence and taking action. However, he did not mention anything about the Pro Khalistan mob. This sparked even more outrage on social media and Trudeau was once again called out for his Pro-Khalistan agenda. India's MEA and PM Modi also slammed Canada over attacks on Hindus in Canada.
Now, the question arises what is happening in Canada and why Surrey has entered the entire controversy?
As per reports, the Hindu community has accused Canadian Police of taking partial action. On Monday, three Hindus were detained 'without incident' on the grounds of a local temple at Surrey in British Columbia, Canada, triggering an atmosphere of tension in the community. Canadian authorities did not disclose the charges against them. The incident took place after local residents had gathered to celebrate and worship at the temple. As per the witnesses present there quoted by Canadian and Indian media, the police presence around was temple was heightened as the officers moved in to detain the three young men.
Attack on Brampton's Hindu Temple
Talking about the Khalistan mob attack on Brampton's temple, the mob was seen carrying flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit community organisation, which responded on social media, said children and women were also attacked in the incident. Multiple reports suggest that a group of Khalistani supporters were holding a demonstration to commemorate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots before the attack took place.
The Khalistani attack on the Hindu temple in Brampton is seen as an attack on a consular camp Indian diplomats had held in collaboration with the temple to provide consular services to senior citizens. Such camps have been routinely held by the Indian High Commission.
The High Commission of India in Ottawa has stated that they had asked Canadian authorities in advance for adequate security measures. "As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organized/plan consular camps during this period, for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian). On account of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work. We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto," the statement said as quoted by Economic Times.
Why communal tensions in Canada is still in effect?
The answer is the participation of the Canadian Police in the Pro Khalistan protest. The controversy took a shocking turn when one of the protestors part of the Khalistani mob was identified as a Peel Police officer named Harinder Sohi. After the massive outrage over the participation of a Canadian Police officer in a Khalistan protest against the Hindus, Canada suspended Harinder Sohi from his post, CBC confirmed this quoting officials of Peel Regional Police. Harinder Sohi was caught on camera holding Khalistan's flag. Sohi is posted as a sergeant in Peel Regional Police.
Hindu communities are now demanding strict actions against Canadian Police officers who in a way supported the Pro Khalistani protestors. Hence, the Hindu community also carried out protests against the Trudeau government. Thousands of Canadian Hindus marched in solidarity outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton a day after it was attacked by pro-Khalistanis. The march on Monday night was organised by the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA).