On Sunday, a large demonstration took place outside the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, India, involving a broad coalition of Hindu and Sikh activists. The protest was sparked by the recent violent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, by a group of pro-Khalistan supporters.
The incident, which saw devotees assaulted outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, ignited outrage both within Canada and globally, leading to large-scale protests across Canada and beyond.
The protesters in Delhi voiced their condemnation, calling for justice and unity among Hindus and Sikhs, and demanding that the Canadian government take action to ensure the protection of Hindu temples and communities in Canada.
The Brampton Temple Attack: A Catalyst for Global Protests
The Brampton attack, which took place on November 4, 2024, has been the focal point of international tensions between India and Canada. Pro-Khalistan elements stormed the Hindu Sabha Mandir during a consular camp, physically assaulting devotees and vandalizing the temple.
This attack was part of a series of incidents in Canada that have heightened concerns among Indian communities worldwide about the safety of their places of worship, especially as the pro-Khalistan movement has been gaining traction in recent years.
The attack in Brampton has been widely condemned, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly decrying the assault as a “deliberate attack” on the Hindu community. He also denounced what he called “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats.
Read : Hindus and Sikhs on One Side, Khalistanis on the Other: Canadian MP Chandra Arya
The diplomatic row escalated when Canadian authorities suspended a police officer, Harinder Sohi, for his participation in a pro-Khalistan protest in which anti-India slogans were chanted.
This act of solidarity with Khalistani extremists further fueled the anger of Indian communities, leading to calls for protests, including the one outside the Canadian High Commission in Delhi.
Protest in Delhi: Hindus and Sikhs Unite
The protest outside the Canadian mission in Delhi was organized by the Hindu Sikh Global Forum, an organization dedicated to promoting unity between Hindus and Sikhs in the diaspora. The demonstration was not only a reaction to the Brampton temple attack but also a statement of solidarity between the two communities against the growing influence of Khalistani separatism in Canada.
Activists gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans such as “Hindus and Sikhs are united” and “Indians will not tolerate the insult of temples in Canada.” The protesters were also seen holding placards calling for justice for the victims of the Brampton attack and demanding that the Canadian government take stronger action against those responsible for instigating the violence.
Hindu-Sikh are one, We will never be divided by Hate and Propaganda: Sikh community in India openly comes out against attack on Hindu temple in Canada and Canadian terrorists (Khalistanis). pic.twitter.com/6DoFc37keh
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 6, 2024
The protest turned confrontational when some of the activists attempted to breach the layers of barricades set up by Delhi police to maintain order. The protesters, however, managed to topple several barricades, further intensifying the demonstration.
The scene outside the Canadian High Commission in Chanakyapuri quickly became chaotic, with police forces trying to contain the growing number of protesters. The intensity of the protest reflected the anger and frustration felt by the Hindu and Sikh communities, who were concerned that the Canadian government was not doing enough to protect their rights and places of worship.
Diplomatic Fallout and Escalating Tensions
The protests in Delhi come on the heels of escalating tensions between India and Canada, particularly following the Brampton temple attack and the controversial actions of Canadian law enforcement.
The Canadian government’s response to the violence, including the suspension of officer Harinder Sohi, has done little to quell the anger of Indian communities, who have long been vocal about their concerns regarding Khalistani extremism.
The involvement of a Canadian police officer in the pro-Khalistan protests added fuel to the fire, as it suggested complicity within the Canadian authorities regarding the growing support for Khalistani separatism.
In addition to the suspension of Harinder Sohi, Canadian authorities have arrested several individuals in connection with the attack, including Inderjeet Gosal, a prominent figure in the banned Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Gosal is charged with assault with a weapon, and his arrest has further highlighted the reach and influence of pro-Khalistan organizations in Canada.
The arrest of Gosal, a close associate of the slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has added a layer of complexity to the situation, as it brings to light the ongoing conflict over the issue of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state, which has been a contentious topic for decades.
The international community, including the Indian government, has called on Canada to take stronger measures to address the issue of Khalistani extremism and to ensure the safety of Hindu and Sikh communities within its borders.
The Canadian government, on the other hand, has called for calm and peaceful dialogue while affirming its commitment to upholding freedom of expression and the rule of law.
However, the growing support for Khalistani separatism in Canada has created a delicate balancing act for the Canadian authorities, who must navigate the demands for justice from both Indian and Canadian communities.
The protests outside the Canadian High Commission in Delhi have underscored the deep sense of anger and frustration felt by the Hindu and Sikh communities regarding the growing threat posed by Khalistani extremism.
The Brampton temple attack was a shocking reminder of the vulnerability of religious communities in Canada, and it has sparked widespread condemnation from Indian diaspora groups worldwide. The unity displayed by Hindus and Sikhs in the Delhi protest highlights the strength of their shared commitment to religious tolerance and mutual respect.
As the diplomatic row between India and Canada continues to unfold, the demand for justice for the victims of the Brampton temple attack remains at the forefront of the debate.
The Indian government has made it clear that it will not tolerate the disrespect or violence directed at its citizens and their places of worship, and it is expected that the situation will remain a contentious issue in the months to come.
For now, the protests outside the Canadian High Commission serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious harmony and justice on the global stage.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏