External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed serious concern regarding the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, describing the incident as “deeply concerning” during a press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra on Tuesday.

“What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning,” Jaishankar stated, referencing statements from both the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which conveyed the gravity of the situation. “The statements should convey how deeply we feel about it,” he added.

Jaishankar condemned Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats, criticizing what he called a “pattern of making allegations without providing specifics.” He remarked, “The fact that they’re putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable.”

In response to videos of the temple attack, Jaishankar noted, “Look at the video, and it reflects the political space being given to extremist forces in Canada. While we believe in freedoms, we also believe that freedom should not be misused.”

Penny Wong echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments, expressing solidarity with the Indian community in the wake of the attack, especially during the Diwali festival. “It is very upsetting for members of the faith community and the broader Indian community,” she stated. Wong emphasized that while peaceful protests are a right, violence and vandalism must be addressed by law enforcement.

The clash at the Brampton temple involved protesters carrying Khalistani flags and devotees, resulting in skirmishes captured in unverified social media videos. The Peel Regional Police reported the arrest of three individuals related to the incident, facing charges including assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously condemned the attack as a “deliberate” act of violence in a strong statement on social media, asserting, “Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India expressed its “deep concern” over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada and urged for the protection of places of worship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario,” calling for the prosecution of those responsible.

The MEA reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular services and safeguarding Indian citizens abroad, undeterred by “intimidation, harassment, and violence.”

Ottawa [Canada], Nov 4: Following an attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu-Canadian devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya condemned the incident, describing it as a significant escalation of violent extremism. “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today,” Arya posted on X, sharing a video of the incident.

He voiced concerns about the rise of Khalistani influence, noting, “The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian devotees within the Hindu Sabha temple premises highlights how deep and brazen Khalistani extremism has become in Canada.” Arya added that he suspects Khalistani sympathizers may have even infiltrated Canadian political and law enforcement circles.

Expressing further concern, Arya argued that Canadian laws protecting freedom of expression are being exploited by extremists. “Under the guise of ‘freedom of expression,’ Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada,” he stated. Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to take proactive steps to safeguard their community and hold Canadian leaders accountable.

This attack is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents targeting Hindu-Canadian temples. In July, Arya spoke out after the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized. Previous incidents include defacement of temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton, which drew widespread condemnation and calls for action from Canadian and Indian officials.