Peel Regional Police say they are aware of a protest that occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont., on Sunday.
Federal minister Anita Anand posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she is “concerned about reports of unacceptable violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.”
“All religions, Hindus included, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their religion without such assaults,” she wrote.
Video circulating on X appears to show people using flagpoles to strike others.
The Hindu Canadian Foundation allege the “attack” is “happening under the support of Khalistaani politician sympathizers.”
Peel police said there is an increased visibility in the area of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton’s northeast end.
“While we respect the individual right to protest as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our duty and responsibility remains to maintain public order and ensure the safety of everyone,” police said.
Police presence outside of Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ont. on Nov. 2, 2024.
Steve Rafuse / Global News
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also posted about the incident calling it “completely unacceptable.”
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
“All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace,” Poilievre wrote.
Other political leaders in the community also took to social media to discuss the protest.
“I am troubled to hear about the recent acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton,” MP Ruby Sahota said. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and respected in their places of worship. There is no room for such actions in our society, and I strongly denounce this violence.”
“I condemn this violence and hope the authorities are doing everything to ensure the Hindu community feels safe and can enjoy the freedom to worship without fear,” Mississauga Ward 7 councillor Dipika Damerla said.
Meanwhile across the country in Surrey, B.C., videos have begun to circulate online of Surrey Police being deployed at a Hindu temple.
Reporters on the scene say police have been attempting to keep the peace between Khalistan protesters and those at the temple.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
