On November 3, 2024, coordinated attacks were carried out by Khalistani extremists at Hindu temples in Canada, sparking concern and unrest among Hindu Canadians. The incidents took place at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, and the Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, with protests escalating into violent confrontations and alarming responses from the Canadian police.
The Attacks
Brampton Incident: At approximately 12:00 PM at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, 30–35 Khalistani protesters arrived, chanting slogans in favor of a separate Khalistan state and brandishing offensive images. The gathering took an aggressive turn as extremists began physically attacking Hindu devotees, including women and children, with Khalistani flags and sticks. Some injuries were reported among temple attendees, who initially gathered for a consular camp organized by the High Commission of India. Videos of the violence circulated on social media, raising community alarm and prompting around 150 local Hindus to spontaneously gather at the temple to protect the premises.
Surrey Incident: Simultaneously, around 12 Khalistani supporters gathered outside the Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, armed with signs featuring anti-India and anti-Hindu messages. With loudspeakers and provocative slogans, they condemned India and mocked Hindu traditions, which was met with Hindu devotees chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” The situation escalated as extremists hit posters with slippers and provoked attendees to leave temple property, with one even crossing into temple grounds to assault a Hindu worshipper.
Police Response
An RCMP officer goes into the crowd to go after Hindu devotees after pushing them back to protect the Khalistanis who came to harass the temple goers on Diwali.
The Canadian police’s response at both sites drew sharp criticism from the Hindu community. Observers noted that officers seemed to exhibit leniency toward Khalistani protesters while imposing strict controls on Hindu attendees. In Brampton, police reportedly entered the temple grounds forcefully, confronting Hindu devotees and even striking some, which led to a heated backlash from the crowd.
In Surrey, the police stance appeared similarly skewed. Officers on-site detained three Hindu attendees, who were reportedly peaceful and standing on temple property. One teenager was roughly handled by officers, while another young man on temple grounds was arrested under unclear circumstances. These actions led to frustrations within the Hindu community, with some members gathering outside the police station later in the evening to demand the release of those detained.
Canadian Govt.
This unrest comes amid already strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, heightened by recent accusations from both countries concerning extremist activities and interference. Trudeau’s government has faced calls to tighten oversight of extremist groups and protect vulnerable communities, especially in the wake of high-profile incidents like these protests and temple attacks, which many see as part of a troubling trend of rising extremism. Local officials and Hindu community leaders continue to push for dialogue with authorities, advocating for both legislative and community-based solutions to ensure that worship can proceed without fear of violence.
Hindu Community Response and Unity
These incidents have triggered a strong, unified response from Hindu Canadians. Following the attacks, the Hindu community, alongside Hindu organizations, resolved to organize further in defense of their places of worship and religious rights. In Brampton, devotees met at the Hindu Sabha Temple to discuss coordinated actions, pledging unity against extremism and calling for protection from authorities.
The Indian High Commission condemned recent disruptions, urging Canadian law enforcement to better protect Indian-origin residents and Hindu worship sites. The Indian consulate expressed disappointment over inadequate security, reinforcing calls for support for Canadian Hindus amid rising extremism. These incidents highlight concerns within the Hindu community over targeted violence and amplify calls for accountability within law enforcement to ensure impartial, robust responses to religion-based threats. The community’s peaceful yet firm defense of their rights has fueled broader discussions on religious harmony, public safety, and the role of authorities in protecting cultural institutions across Canada.
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