Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the recent surge of violence between groups within Canada’s South Asian community, emphasizing that those involved in inciting unrest do not represent Canada’s Sikh and Hindu communities. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Trudeau condemned the divisive acts that have sparked concern across the nation.
“The violence we have seen in South Asian communities across the country over the past few nights, let me be very clear: The individuals who are inciting violence and division and hatred in no way represent either the Sikh community or the Hindu community in Canada,” Trudeau stated.
The Prime Minister’s comments came after an altercation at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, Ontario, where video footage captured clashes between individuals reportedly affiliated with the Khalistani movement and members of the temple community. The footage showed groups exchanging blows and striking each other with poles outside the temple, further intensifying tensions within Canada’s South Asian diaspora.
In response, the Indian government issued a strong statement condemning the violence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi urged the Canadian government to take measures to protect places of worship and ensure the safety of Indian nationals. “We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated. He emphasized India’s expectation that Canadian authorities would “prosecute those indulging in violence.”
While Trudeau’s remarks did not explicitly name any specific groups or the Hindu temple incident, they were viewed as a response to the growing unrest and a call for unity among Canada’s diverse communities.
Canada, home to a sizable South Asian population, has faced increasing scrutiny over recent tensions between different groups within the diaspora. Both Canadian and Indian officials have expressed a commitment to fostering a safe and harmonious environment for all communities amid these recent challenges.
