‘We Expect Justice’: PM Modi Condemns Khalistani Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada

Last Updated:November 04, 2024, 22:04 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton by a group of people holding Khalistan flags.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton and termed the violence a “cowardly attempt” to intimidate Indian diplomats in the country, making his first statement against the ongoing violence against Indians by pro-Khalistani supporters.

Taking a firm stance for Indians across the world, PM Modi asked the Canadian government to address the attacks and ensure justice to “uphold the rule of law.”

“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” said PM Modi in an X post.

Videos of the incident, widely shared online – including by Canadian MPs – showed a group of men wielding sticks and attacking devotees outside the Hindu Sabha Temple, where an Indian consular camp was held.

Soon after the attack on the Hindu temple came to a halt, videos surfaced online showing law enforcement clashing with templegoers amid the chaos.

What Makes PM Modi’s Remark Significant?

Notably, PM Modi’s strong remark against Canada came at a time when Ottawa made a series of baseless allegations against New Delhi, accusing the Indian government of orchestrating violence in the country.

Recently, a massive diplomatic row erupted between India and Canada over the latter’s allegations in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, leading to both countries expelling each other’s envoys.

On Saturday, Ottawa named New Delhi as a cyber threat adversary, suggesting that state-sponsored actors could be spying against it. India, on multiple occasions, has rejected Canada’s allegations and asked Trudeau to submit any credible information to back his claims.

Trudeau ‘Fails’ To Call Out Pro-Khalistanis?

Upholding the right to practice religion “freely and safely”, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday called the violence at a Hindu temple near Toronto “unacceptable”, but failed to call out the pro-Khalistani elements who have been orchestrating violent acts in his regime.

“The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau said in an X post.

MEA Slams Temple Attack In Canada

PM Modi’s strong message to Canada came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton and demanded action against the perpetrators.

“We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement.

The MEA further called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to protect the places of worship from such attacks on its soil.

Political Parties Unite To Condemn Attack

India’s political parties, often at odds over ideological differences, came together to condemn the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada and called on Ottawa to ensure accountability for the incident.

Condemning the incident, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said, “I strongly condemn the incident in Canada. The Indian government should take strict action against the culprits. Not only all the political parties of the country but all the 140 crore people of the country are standing shoulder to shoulder with the Government of India on this issue.”

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh called on the Indian community around the world to denounce the Canadian Government for such a ‘coward’ attack on a temple. “Canada has been harbouring Khalistani terrorists, criminals, gangsters and carrying out an anti-India campaign,” he added.

‘Every Indian Must Join PM Modi’

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called on the Indians to join PM Modi in condemning the temple attack in Canada and took a veiled dig at Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for not denouncing the “abominable attack” against Hindus on foreign soil. 

“Every Indian must join Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, in condemning the abominable attack on the Hindu Temple in Canada. It is a testing time, a trial period for some leaders. Waiting for condemnation from entitled leaders of India,” Rijiju wrote in an X post.

Several other leaders, as well, came to the front to slam the series of targeted attacks in Canada against the Hindus, which Trudeau and his government have long failed to address.