Amid the recent clashes between the pro-Khalistanis and the Hindu community in the Canadian city of Brampton, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the first time admitted the presence of Khalistanis in the country.
He said, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada. But they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. There are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole.”
There is no room for violence, intolerance, intimidation… That is not who we are,” he further stated.
Hindu Sabha Temple Clash
The Canadian Prime Minister delivered this statement after the clashes between the pro-Khalistan and Hindu communities on Sunday, November 3, 2024. The protests took place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. The protestors at the mandir were raising pro-Khalistan flags, protesting against the presence of Hindu officials at the temple. The protest at the temple took a violent turn, with devotees at the temple throwing punches and swinging poles, disrupting the consular event.
Videos of the incident went viral on the internet, showcasing chaotic scenes of fights, people hitting poles, and protestors physically confronting worshippers on the grounds of the temple.
PM Justin Trudeau Condemns
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence, stressing the right of the citizens to practice their faith in peace. Taking to his X, the Canadian PM wrote, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Each Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”
“Thank you to the Peel regional police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” he further added.
PM Trudeau made this comment while addressing the Indian community diaspora during Diwali celebrations held at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill.
Meanwhile, his remarks are surfacing over the Internet, highlighting the standoff between the two nations, India and Canada, since last year and the recent temple clashes.
Troubled Relations Between India and Canada
Notably, relations between India and Canada began deteriorating since the killing of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In June 2023, Nijjar was shot down outside a Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Prime Minister Trudeau has accused India’s involvement in the murder case, leading to the escalation of diplomatic chaos and tensions.
India has termed these allegations politically directed and baseless, while pointing out Canada’s failure to control the tide of pro-Khalistani sentiments. As per Canadian officials, six Indian diplomats were involved in the case. However, despite having multiple engagements, exchanges, and meetings, like the G20 Summit, Canada failed to provide any evidence in the case.
Last month, October 2024, the relations between the nations again went off in trouble after Canada termed the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a ‘Person of Interest’ in the case. India has denied the allegations against Verma and made repeated requests to provide evidence in the case.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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