• The violent incidents in Brampton and Surrey have deeply shaken the Hindu community in Canada.
• These incidents have amplified calls for a unified Hindu response against rising extremism and violence in Canada.
• The events underscore the urgent need for the Canadian government to take a balanced approach to handling protests and ensuring the safety of all communities.

Summary of Violent Incidents at Hindu Places of Worship in Canada — November 3, 2024

On November 3, 2024, violent disruptions occurred at Hindu temples in both Brampton, Ontario, and Surrey, British Columbia, as Khalistani extremists staged coordinated protests, attacking Hindu devotees and provoking altercations. These incidents, marked by offensive slogans, aggressive behaviour, physical attacks and biased responses from local police, have raised serious concerns within the Hindu Canadian community.

Incident 1: Attack on Hindu Sabha Temple, Brampton

• Time & Location: Around 12:00 PM, Hindu Sabha Temple, Brampton, Ontario.
• Event: The temple was hosting a consular camp organized by the High Commission of India to provide documentation services for local Indian-origin residents.

Timeline of Events:

• 12:00 PM: Approximately 30–35 Khalistani extremists gathered outside the temple, carrying offensive images showing Indian diplomats depicted in violent ways and posters with derogatory slogans targeting India and Hindus. They began shouting slogans in favour of Khalistan, with some calling for violence against Indians and Indian-origin diplomats.
• 12:15 PM: The protesters verbally abused temple attendees, including women and children. After a brief altercation due to their aggressive stance, they proceeded to physically attack devotees with Khalistani flags & sticks, injuring several people.
• 12:30 PM: Videos of the attack began circulating on social media, drawing attention and concern from the broader community.
• 1:00 PM: In response, about 150 local Hindus spontaneously gathered outside the temple to protect their place of worship. Slogans were chanted on both sides, with temple supporters opposing Khalistani extremism.

Police Response:

• Police officers present were criticized for allegedly biased behaviour, as they appeared lenient towards the Khalistani protesters while threatening Hindu devotees with arrest.
• At one point, officers entered the temple grounds aggressively, striking some Hindu devotees before retreating in response to protests from temple attendees.

Resolution:

• By 3:30 PM, the crowd of Hindu devotees had grown to around 200 people. The Khalistani extremists began to disperse, taking down their offensive signs.
• Hindu devotees later gathered within the temple, resolving to unite against violent extremism and to meet the next day for a coordinated response with other Hindu organizations.

Incident 2: Attack on Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey

• Time & Location: Around 12:00 PM, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey, British Columbia.

• Event: A planned protest by Khalistani supporters was advertised in advance, targeting the temple with hateful and offensive messaging.

Timeline of Events:

• 12:00 PM: Around 12 Khalistani extremists arrived with large posters bearing anti-India, anti-Modi, and Hinduphobic messages, along with imagery amplifying Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Slogans included offensive statements such as “India is the land of gangrapers” and “Hindus are cowpiss drinkers.”
• Police arrived, stating they were there to ensure a “peaceful protest.”
• The Khalistani protesters then used loudspeakers to broadcast derogatory slogans, prompting Hindu attendees to respond by chanting “Jai Shri Ram” over their own speakers.
• The two groups maintained an 80-foot distance, with police positioned between them. Khalistani protesters continued to display aggression, including hitting posters of Indira Gandhi with slippers.
• Some protesters, wearing face masks, provoked Hindu devotees, encouraging them to leave temple property and engage in physical fights. At one point, a Khalistani protester crossed the street and attacked Hindu devotees who were standing peacefully.

Police Actions:

• Police randomly arrested three Hindu protesters, who were reportedly peaceful and non-violent. Among those detained was a teenager who was forcefully slammed to the ground by three officers.
• Another arrest involved a young man standing on temple property; despite not engaging in any aggression, he was singled out by a police officer, identified by badge number 363, who threatened others with arrest.

• The Hindu community felt the police’s treatment was disrespectful, especially in light of the recent attack on the Brampton temple.

Community Response:

• By 6:00 PM, all three arrested Hindus were held in custody, with around 60 community members gathering outside the police station, demanding their release.

Broader Implications and Response

The violent incidents in Brampton and Surrey have deeply shaken the Hindu community in Canada. The High Commission of India expressed disappointment over the disruptions at the consular camps and reiterated the need for adequate security to protect community members and diplomatic staff.

These incidents have amplified calls for a unified Hindu response against rising extremism and violence. In Brampton, the community resolved to meet on November 4 with other Hindu organizations to plan a collective protest against attacks on Hindu places of worship and to address the growing threat of Khalistani extremism targeting Hindu Canadians. The events underscore the urgent need for authorities to take a balanced approach to handling protests and ensuring the safety of all communities.

_{(The report has been republished with permission from the authors.)}

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