Canada police term Hindu protest over temple attack ‘unlawful’, warn of arrests.
Canadian police declared protests by the Hindu community against the attack on a Brampton temple as “unlawful”, warning of arrests if demonstrators did not disperse.
In a safety alert, Peel Regional Police said “weapons” were seen during the agitation by around 5,000 Indo-Canadians outside the Hindu Sabha temple, asking residents to stay away. It asked the crowd to immediately scatter or face arrest as the gathering became illegal.
On Sunday, pro-Khalistan supporters had clashed with temple-goers and interrupted an event co-hosted by the temple and Indian Consulate, with Sikh hardliners seen waving Khalistani flags.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation claimed women and children were targetted by the mob while a viral video showed cops charging at protesters outside.
Three arrests were made in the Brampton case as the Canadian government also suspended a cop recorded at a pro-Khalistan rally outside the temple.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the incident asserting religious freedom but didn’t directly blame Khalistani sympathizers.
India issued a strong response with PM Narendra Modi slamming the “cowardly” intimidation of Indian diplomats and demanding justice amid strained relations.
