Khalistani mob attack on Canada Hindu devotees: India condemns 'deeply disappointing' act

The High Commission of India in Ottawa on Monday condemned the 'deeply disappointing' acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton.

In the videos that have gone viral, a violent group of men bearing pro-Khalistani flags could be seen attacking devotees with sticks outside the temple premises.

"We have seen violent disruption today (Nov 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto," the Indian High Commission said in an official statement.

The commission said it is "deeply disappointing" that such acts are allowed for routine consular work, adding that it is concerned about the safety of Indian nationals.

The high commission said like in previous years, it had requested Canadian authorities well in advance to provide strong security measures for consulars camps organised by the commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto.

This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the attack, saying every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely, adding that the acts of violence in Brampton are unacceptable.

Indian-origin MP in the opposition Chandra Arya alleged that the Trudeau government is giving a free pass for extremists under the guise of "freedom of expression", adding that the Canadian Khalistani extremists have crossed a red line. 

"I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies," he alleged. He urged Hindu Canadians to assert their rights and hold politicians accountable.