Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls a demonstration that turned violent Sunday near a Hindu temple in Brampton, a suburb of Toronto, a “deliberate” attack. Four people were arrested.
The demonstration started in front of the temple Hindu Sabha Temple and continued at two other locations in Mississauga.
Videos posted online show acts of violence, which have sparked reactions from the entire Canadian political class. CBC was able to authenticate two of these videos.
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Videos posted online show protesters fighting with fists and sticks.
Photo : CBC
It shows, in particular, demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags and scuffles between them and other individuals, some of whom are holding the national flag of India.
The Khalistan independence movement campaigns for the creation of an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India.
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The violence took place during a protest Sunday that began outside this Hindu temple in Brampton near Toronto, police say. (Archive photo)
Photo : - / Prasanjeet Choudhury/CBC
Prime Minister Modi says he expects the Canadian government to ensure that justice is done.
India’s foreign ministry says Sunday’s violence in Brampton was carried out by “extremists and separatists.”
Reflecting the strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, Prime Minister Modi also argued on social media that what he called attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada were equally “appalling.”
Arrests
On Monday, the regional police of Peel announced the arrest and indictment of four individuals. The police force is also investigating other actions that may be illegal.
According to the police, following the demonstration in front of the temple Hindu Sabha Temple Sunday noon, the group of protesters headed to the area of the shopping center Westwoodin Mississauga. One person was then arrested and a police officer suffered minor injuries.
Subsequently, the same group went to a place of worship on the corner of the road Airport and the path Derry, according to the police.
Even though these protests took place in three different locations, they appear to be linked to each other
indicates the regional police of Peel in a press release. There were several [confrontations] between protesters and faithful.
Violent acts committed at the temple Hindu Sabha of Brampton are unacceptable
commented Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
Thank you to Peel Police for responding quickly to protect the community and investigate the incident
he added.
With information from Reuters and CBC News
