Violence erupted on the site of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Canada’s Brampton even as a group of men carrying flags of pro-Khalistani groups attacked the devotees gathered there.

The attack was carried out on senior citizens who were present at a consular camp conducted by Indian diplomats in collaboration with temple authorities. Such camps were often organized in temples and gurdwaras by the Indian High Commission.

Videos of the incident went viral on social media platforms inviting widespread outrage and criticism.

India condemned the violence calling it ‘deeply disturbing’. The High Commission of India in Ottawa said in an official statement that it was deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by their consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers. “We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place,” it said.

The High Commission confirmed that the violent disruption had been orchestrated by anti-India elements, bringing into focus the controversy surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last year. Six Canadian diplomats were expelled from India at that time, even as India recalled its High Commissioner, diplomats and officials from Canada to ensure their safety. – editor@nrifocus.com