In a remarkable display of unity, Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs in Canada came together to protest against the violent attacks by Khalistani elements, who targeted Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.
This incident has stirred the Indian diaspora, leading to a rare, large-scale protest that highlights deep-seated concerns over political pandering to extremist groups in Canada. As tensions rise, the once quiet and law-abiding community has found its voice, signaling that the time for action and solidarity has arrived.
The Attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple: A Community Rises in Protest
The catalyst for this recent unrest was an attack by a Khalistani mob on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, which occurred over the weekend. This act of violence against Hindu devotees provoked an immediate and powerful response from the Indian community. Thousands of Indian-origin Canadians, including both Hindus and Sikhs, took to the streets the following Monday to express their anger and frustration.
Organized by the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA), the protests quickly gained traction, drawing people from different faiths and backgrounds. The scenes in Brampton were historic, with marchers blocking roads and raising their voices against the Khalistani attackers.
The protests also extended beyond Brampton, with gatherings in cities across Canada, signaling that this was more than just a local issue — it was a national outcry against extremism.
Journalist Daniel Bordman, who covered the protests, remarked on the unusual nature of this mobilization, pointing out that the typically peaceful and reserved Hindu community felt compelled to unite and show strength. Bordman described the attack as a “crossing of the line” for the Khalistanis, which forced Hindus to organize and stand in opposition.
Read : Canada Cop Who Attended Khalistani Protest Outside Hindu Temple in Brampton Suspended
For many Hindus, this moment served as an awakening — a realization that the rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada could no longer be ignored. Sikhs, too, joined the protests, emphasizing that the violent actions of a small group of extremists did not represent the larger Sikh community. As one protestor stated, “Sikhs are our brothers.
Hindus and Sikhs are protesting together against #Khalistani in Canada- He said – We are united against these paid political goons who are destroying our unity.
— Times Alpha News (@AlphaTimesIndia) November 5, 2024
If you have courage then go and protest in India and see how you are treated there.#Canada #KhalistanTerrorists pic.twitter.com/NRdniaMcSk
The Khalistanis are not Sikhs.” This message of unity was echoed throughout the protests, with demonstrators seeking to distinguish between the radical Khalistani elements and the peaceful Sikh majority.
The Khalistan Issue: A Canadian Political Dilemma
The Khalistani movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh homeland in the Punjab region of India, has long been a contentious issue in Canada.
Although the movement has little support within India itself, it has found fertile ground among certain diaspora groups in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In Canada, in particular, Khalistani sympathizers have been able to influence political discourse and gain favor with some political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Critics of Trudeau’s administration, including members of the Indian diaspora, have accused him of “mollycoddling” Khalistani elements for political gain.
Trudeau’s reliance on the support of the pro-Khalistani vote bank, particularly in regions with large Sikh populations, has led to accusations that his government has turned a blind eye to the growing influence of extremism. The attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple, combined with Trudeau’s failure to condemn the Khalistanis, has only intensified these criticisms.
Canadian journalist Ujjal Dosanjh, a former minister and a vocal critic of Khalistani extremism, pointed out that the Khalistani movement has gained considerable ground under Trudeau’s leadership.
Speaking to India Today TV, Dosanjh emphasized that there has been a “political amnesia” regarding the issue, with Canadian politicians choosing to overlook the dangers posed by Khalistani extremists in exchange for political support.
This political pandering has not gone unnoticed by the Indian diaspora, who have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to the government’s handling of the issue.
Ravneet Singh Bittu, India’s Union Minister of State Railway and Food Processing Industries, condemned the attack on the Hindu temple, attributing it to “Trudeau’s Khalistani elements.” Bittu’s statement reflects the growing frustration within the Indian community, both in Canada and India, over the lack of action against these radical groups.
A Unified Front: Hindus and Sikhs Stand Together
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the recent protests was the display of solidarity between Hindus and Sikhs. While the Khalistani movement claims to speak for the Sikh community, many Sikhs have distanced themselves from the extremism and violence associated with the cause. In Brampton, Sikhs marched alongside Hindus, Christians, Jews, and others, in a show of unity against the Khalistani elements.
One Sikh protestor, holding the Indian flag, shared his personal experience of being pressured to support the Khalistani movement. He recounted how, during a visit to a Sikh temple, he was urged to back the cause but firmly declined.
He expressed his disappointment in being told to “go back to India” for refusing to support Khalistan, stating that he was proud to stand with his Hindu brothers. His testimony highlights the divide within the Sikh community itself, as many Sikhs reject the violent methods and separatist ideology espoused by the Khalistanis.
The message from the protesters was clear: this was not a Hindu vs Sikh conflict, but a unified stand against a fringe group of extremists. Social commentator Kamlesh Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the conflict should not be seen as a broad religious or ethnic divide. Instead, it was a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, and other communities standing together against the influence of radical elements.
Protesters were also critical of the Peel Police’s handling of the attack on the temple, accusing them of bias and inaction. Demonstrators pointed out that the police had failed to protect the Hindu community, allowing the Khalistani mob to carry out their attack with impunity.
The frustration with law enforcement further fueled the protests, with road blockades and reports of vandalized vehicles adding to the escalating tensions in Brampton.
Trudeau’s Political Gamble: A Community United Against Extremism
As the protests gained momentum, the focus shifted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose silence on the Khalistani issue has drawn widespread criticism. The attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple and the subsequent protests have raised questions about Trudeau’s political strategy and his reliance on the pro-Khalistani vote bank.
The front page of the Toronto Sun captured the mood of the moment with the headline “A Land Divided.” The article underscored how deeply Trudeau’s government has polarized the Indian diaspora in Canada, with the Khalistani issue now at the forefront of political debate.
As the 2025 general election approaches, it is expected that the Liberal Party will face a significant backlash from the Indian community, which has grown increasingly disillusioned with Trudeau’s handling of the situation.
The protests in Brampton and across Canada have made it clear that the Indian diaspora is no longer willing to be taken for granted politically. The show of strength from Hindus and Sikhs in the wake of the Khalistani attack has sent a strong message to both Canadian politicians and the extremists themselves: the community is united against violence and will not allow its interests to be sidelined.
This moment of unity between Hindus and Sikhs marks a turning point for the Indian community in Canada. The violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple has ignited a movement that has brought together people from diverse backgrounds, united in their opposition to extremism. As the protests continue and political pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the Trudeau government will respond to this growing wave of discontent.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏