In the wake of recent violent clashes between Sikh separatists and pro-India Hindu community members in Brampton and Mississauga, the chief of Peel police says he is concerned about the force’s ability to properly respond to these large gatherings, with the possibility of more protests looming.
“We’re not able to sustain the volume of officers and resources on our own, and that’s part of the reality of this situation,” Chief Nishan Duraiappah told CBC News Thursday.
“In fact this week, we have asked for assistance from multiple police agencies on … consecutive nights.”
A fight initially broke out at a Hindu temple in Brampton Sunday afternoon, amid a visit from Indian consular officials. Social media videos show pro-Khalistan supporters, who were there to protest the diplomats’ visit, and counter-demonstrators getting into altercations, in some cases using sticks and flag poles.
More fighting broke out later in the day at the Malton gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship on Airport Road in Mississauga.
Three men have been arrested after a series of violent demonstrations outside a Hindu temple and Sikh gurdwara in the Toronto area over the weekend. Similar clashes occurred in Surrey, B.C., and come during heightened tensions between Canada and India.
There were more clashes outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir the next evening, prompting Peel police to issue a public safety alert after officers said some participants were wielding weapons at the demonstration.
Sikhs for Justice’s general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun told CBC News in a text message Thursday that his organization is planning two more protests this weekend in Brampton after organizing the initial demonstration.
Duraiappah says Peel police are asking people to not attend protests and are working with event organizers in an attempt to mitigate gatherings.
He also said officers have spoken to elected officials in all levels of government to express concern about the impact the protests are having on policing capacity, and he said that they are hoping to “turn the dial down” on demonstrations in the coming days, through measures like conversations with community organizations.
Police expect to announce more arrests and charges linked to previous protests in the coming days, Duraiappah said. Three men are already facing charges.
Meanwhile, India’s consulate in Toronto is suspending some of its diplomatic visits to process paperwork, related to matters like pensions, after the protests.
The violence has further heightened tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi, after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats last month when the RCMP flagged them as persons of interest in alleged crimes against Canadians.
India’s Toronto consulate says it’s suspending some of its announced site visits, but did not specify which ones have been cancelled.