Violent clashes broke out in Brampton, a suburb of Toronto, on Sunday during a visit by Indian consular officials to a Hindu temple. Demonstrators, including supporters of the banned Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir grounds, clashing with those waving India’s national flag. Footage from the scene shows the demonstrators engaged in fistfights, using poles, and attacking temple visitors, reportedly including women and children.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa expressed frustration at the incident, calling it “deeply disappointing that such disruptions were allowed to interfere with routine consular work.” Indian-Canadian MP Chandra Arya went further, condemning the violence as a blatant display of Khalistani extremism. “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today,” he said, adding that the attack exposed the unchecked extremism threatening Hindu-Canadian devotees.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement on X, denounced the violence as “unacceptable” but offered little in terms of a concrete response, reiterating only that “every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the violence, vowing to “end the chaos,” while Ontario Premier Doug Ford labeled the incident “completely unacceptable.” Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah urged restraint, affirming that while peaceful protest is respected, violence will not be tolerated.
Brampton Temple Attack
Despite these public statements, the Trudeau government has shown leniency towards Khalistani groups, which openly promote violence against India. The escalating extremism comes amid strained relations between India and Canada, with Ottawa repeatedly downplaying India’s calls for strict action against Khalistani activists. Instead, Trudeau’s administration has chosen to deflect responsibility, accusing India of interfering with Khalistani sympathizers in Canada and labeling these extremists as merely “advocates for Sikh rights”.
Sunday’s attack at the Hindu Sabha Mandir starkly illustrates the Trudeau government’s failure to address this growing extremism, allowing radical elements to operate with impunity. The Hindu Canadian Foundation, a community organization, reported that children and worshippers were among those assaulted, stressing the immediate need for decisive action against pro-Khalistani violence. Yet, despite widespread outrage, no arrests were made by Peel Regional Police, with officials pledging only to investigate “any acts of violence or threats.”
The incident unfolded amid a pro-Khalistan demonstration commemorating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which further inflamed tensions. In response, a heavy police presence was deployed, but the fact that such violence could erupt at a peaceful religious site reflects the government’s inability—or unwillingness—to confront Khalistani extremism head-on. Trudeau’s support of “freedom of expression” is increasingly being manipulated to shield extremism, turning Canada into a sanctuary for violent Khalistani elements that threaten both Indian and Canadian communities alike.