Brampton Hindu Temple Cancels Event Amid ‘Extremely High’ Threat From Extremist Groups in Canada
Brampton Hindu Temple Cancels Event: In a concerning escalation of extremism, the Triveni Mandir and Community Centre in Brampton, Ontario, a city with one of Canada’s largest Indian-origin populations, was forced to cancel a scheduled consular event due to security concerns. The cancellation follows a warning from Peel Regional Police, who reported an “Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level” of violent protests from radical elements in the area.
Consular Event Cancelled Due to Security Threats
The Triveni Mandir was set to host a “Life Certificate” event on November 17, 2024, organized by the Indian Consulate to assist Indian-origin residents with essential documentation. However, citing intelligence from local authorities, the temple administration issued an official statement canceling the event, apologizing to community members relying on the service. Consular camps like this one are routinely organized by Indian diplomatic missions across Canada to support the Indian diaspora, providing essential documents for various administrative needs, including pensions.
Temple authorities expressed disappointment, stating, “We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu temples in Canada.” They called on Peel Police to ensure safety for the local Hindu community and provide robust security measures to protect places of worship and attendees.
Rising Extremist Threats Targeting Hindu Temples
The Brampton incident is part of a recent wave of attacks and threats targeting Hindu places of worship across Canada, raising concerns about religious intolerance and extremist violence. Earlier this month, a different Hindu temple in Brampton was also attacked, sparking a strong response from the Indian government. The Government of India condemned the violence, urging Canadian authorities to ensure security for all places of worship and take immediate action against individuals responsible for the escalating threats.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated this call, stating, “We expect that those indulging in such violence will be prosecuted.” These demands have only grown louder in response to a string of incidents where Hindu temples in Brampton and other Canadian cities, like Windsor, have faced attacks, drawing the attention of the Indian diaspora and sparking diplomatic responses.
Diplomatic Camps Face Security Challenges
In addition to the recent threats, consular events by Indian diplomatic missions in Toronto have faced significant security concerns. In an incident similar to the Brampton cancellation, the Indian Consulate in Toronto had to call off a consular camp due to inadequate security assurances from local authorities. These consular camps are particularly essential during November and December when Indian-origin residents require document renewals for pensions and other legal matters.
The Indian High Commission criticized the lack of adequate security, stressing the urgent need for protection for Indian citizens. Amidst growing security concerns, India has repeatedly called on the Canadian government to uphold the safety of its diaspora and ensure that diplomatic activities can proceed without interruption.
PM Modi Condemns Temple Attacks in Canada
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement condemning the violence, stating, “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. 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 ongoing rise in extremism in Canada, particularly targeting the Hindu community, has fueled heightened security concerns and strong diplomatic responses.
