The Triveni Community Centre in Brampton, Canada, has cancelled a life certificate event scheduled for November 17th, 2024, citing security concerns related to potential violent protests. The event, organized by the Indian Consulate, was intended to assist Indian-origin citizens in Canada with renewing essential life documents. However, the community centre received intelligence from Peel Regional Police indicating an “Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level” of violent protests, forcing them to cancel the event.
The decision to cancel the event underscores the rising tensions and escalating threats facing the Hindu community in Brampton. The Triveni Community Centre has appealed to Peel Police to address the threats and provide security assurances to protect the Canadian Hindu community and the general public. The temple administration expressed deep concern about the increasing sense of insecurity felt by Canadians visiting Hindu temples.
This incident follows a violent disruption by Khalistan separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton on November 3rd. Videos of the incident showed clashes involving fistfights and the use of poles as weapons. Peel Regional Police confirmed their response to the disturbance, noting that the protests escalated into physical violence.
The attacks have drawn condemnation from both India and Canada. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, expressing disapproval of attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. He emphasized that such acts of violence would not weaken India’s resolve and called upon the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the violence, reaffirming that all Canadians have the right to practice their faith safely. In response to the violence, Peel Police arrested Inderjeet Gosal, a 35-year-old Brampton resident and the coordinator for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada. Gosal was apprehended on November 8th and released on bail pending a court appearance. The US-based SFJ group, which advocates for an independent Sikh state, is banned in India.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged prosecution for those involved in the temple attack, expressing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. The incidents have further strained relations between India and Canada, which have been under stress since September 2023 when Trudeau accused India of involvement in the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada. India has vehemently denied these accusations, deeming them “absurd” and highlighting concerns about Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan activities within its borders.
