Police are investigating and politicians are condemning acts of violence following a protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday afternoon.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and clashing with other individuals, including some holding India’s national flag.
The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.
CBC Toronto has not been able to independently verify what happened in the videos.
Peel Regional Police said on X Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety.
<a href=”https://t.co/6IjYspf1BB”>pic.twitter.com/6IjYspf1BB</a>
—@PeelPolice
“We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X Sunday after the videos began circulating. “Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged.”
Our police service will have a large presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brampton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Brampton</a>. We respect the right to protest in a peaceful & safe manner but will not tolerate violence & criminal acts, those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested & charged. <a href=”https://t.co/5tpoCLTsAW”>https://t.co/5tpoCLTsAW</a>
—@ChiefNish
Peel police told CBC Toronto no arrests were made at the temple Sunday. Police did not provide further details about the social media videos, what happened or whether any complaints were filed.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a post on X Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.
I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha in <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brampton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Brampton</a>. <br><br>Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship. <br><br>I have…
—@patrickbrownont
“I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha,” he said. “Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship.”
On Sunday evening, Premier Doug Ford posted on X and call the incident “unacceptable.”
The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton this afternoon is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.<br><br>Thank you to <a href=”https://twitter.com/PeelPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@PeelPolice</a> for their quick response and for helping to keep our communities safe.
—@fordnation
Other politicians echoed that condemnation on social media Sunday, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
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.<br><br>Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
—@JustinTrudeau
Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace.<br><br>I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir.<br><br>Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.
—@theJagmeetSingh
Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today.<br><br>All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.
—@PierrePoilievre
Relations between the Canadian and Indian governments have grown tense over allegations of violence against Canadian Sikhs. Ottawa has accused India’s home minister of being behind several attacks on Sikh activists on Canadian soil. The Indian government denies the accusations.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said there have been ‘well over a dozen’ credible threats to members of Canada’s South Asian community, specifically members of the pro-Khalistan movement. India says the Trudeau government ‘has consciously provided space to violent extremists and terrorists to harass, threaten and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.’ Former B.C. premier Ujjal Dosanjh and Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization of Canada give their perspectives of how these issues affect diaspora communities inside Canada.
The group Sikhs for Justice says that the Khalistan supporters had been protesting Indian consulate officials undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services such as helping seniors access pensions.