Brampton
A pro-Khalistani mob attacked devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple on Monday in Brampton, Canada, sparking widespread concerns over rising extremist activities and selective responses from Canadian leaders. The group, carrying Khalistani flags, was seen attacking worshippers during Diwali celebrations, with videos of the incident quickly going viral.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian leaders, including Hindu MP Anita Anand, condemned the violence. However, none mentioned the Khalistani affiliation of the attackers, drawing criticism for avoiding the extremist issue at hand. Trudeau’s statement on social media condemned the violence but omitted any reference to the attackers’ identity, leading many Canadians to question his stance on Khalistani extremism.
The Peel Regional Police, who responded to the incident, are also facing backlash from Hindu Canadian groups. Community members claimed that some officers targeted Hindu worshippers instead of the attackers, which fueled additional accusations of bias.
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh also condemned the violence without naming the attackers. This reticence has left many Hindus in Canada feeling unsupported. Maxime Bernier, a former MP, openly criticized the main party leaders, saying they feared alienating certain voters by naming the attackers.
Indian-origin Liberal MP Chandra Arya voiced the need for Canadian leaders to address “Khalistani extremism” explicitly. He urged the government to act against the growing threat, calling it a danger to all law-abiding Canadians. Many are now asking if Canada’s leaders are truly committed to combating extremism, or if selective silence risks emboldening further acts of violence.
