Narendra Modi Condemns Violence After Attack on Hindu Temple in Canada
On 4th Nov 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the “cowardly efforts to intimidate our diplomats” as tensions increased between India and Canada in a growing diplomatic conflict.
In the previous month, India and Canada both expelled high-level diplomats from each other after Canadian officials alleged India’s involvement in violent actions against Indian dissidents in Canada, a claim that India refutes.
Modi commented on a violent incident at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, on Sunday, calling it a “intentional assault.”
His statement on X declared that India’s determination will not be weakened by such violent acts. We anticipate that the Canadian government will guarantee fairness and abide by the principles of law.
Local authorities have verified the apprehension of three people in relation to the Brampton situation near Toronto, but additional information has not been revealed.
The force affirmed that its officers are actively investigating multiple illegal acts.
A video that has not been confirmed shows individuals with yellow Khalistan flags engaging in conflicts with others displaying Indian flags.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs blamed the violence on “extremists and separatists,” calling on the Canadian government to protect all places of worship from similar attacks.
At the same time, Sikhs for Justice, an activist group based in North America, referred to the event as “an unprovoked violent assault on peaceful protesters supporting Khalistan.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X, denouncing the violence as “unacceptable,” and asserting that “every Canadian has the freedom to worship in a safe and unrestricted manner.”
Relationships between India and Canada have been strained after Ottawa alleged the Indian government’s participation in the 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian individual designated as a terrorist by India.
India has outright rejected the allegations and insisted that Canada has not presented any proof to back up its claims.
Mr. Nijjar openly endorsed the Khalistan movement and played an active role in promoting it.
The current conflict has led to concerns about how it could affect the robust trade and immigration connections between the two nations.
The economic stakes are high with billions of dollars in trade and around 1.7 million Canadians of Indian descent.
Until now, both countries have not enforced tariffs or any other economic penalties, but experts suggest this may shift, potentially hindering additional economic development due to strained India-Canada relations.
