Charampanthiyon attack in hindu
temple of Canada
Recently, a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, known as the Hindu Sabha Mandir, was attacked during a Diwali celebration and consular camp event. The attack, reportedly carried out by individuals linked to pro-Khalistan extremist groups, led to significant disruptions and raised concerns over rising Hindu-targeted violence in Canada. This incident prompted protests from the Hindu community, as well as statements from Indian officials condemning the violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian High Commission in Canada both demanded that Canadian authorities ensure the safety of Hindu places of worship and take action against extremist elements.
The tensions around this incident follow similar attacks on Hindu temples across Canada this year, which have further strained relations between Canada and India. In response to these events, large gatherings have occurred, with Hindu communities demanding stronger protections and a crackdown on anti-Hindu activities within Canada.
The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton has intensified concerns over escalating threats against Hindu temples in Canada, with officials and community groups alike raising alarms about what they describe as an increasingly “brazen” display of anti-Hindu extremism. The recent incident involved individuals linked to pro-Khalistan groups, who allegedly disrupted a consular camp held by the Indian High Commission during Diwali festivities, leading to tense clashes outside the temple. The organizers stated that attackers endangered children and families present, sparking a strong reaction both in Canada and India.
In response, Hindu organizations across Canada mobilized, organizing protests and calling for protection against such incidents, which they see as part of a disturbing pattern targeting Hindu places of worship. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and other groups have been vocal about what they describe as “Hinduphobia” spreading in Canada, especially during religious events like Diwali. Meanwhile, leaders from both nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada’s Justin Trudeau, condemned the violence, with Modi urging the Canadian government to take decisive action against such threats to ensure community safety.
Tensions between India and Canada have already been strained, particularly after the controversial killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia in 2023. The Indian government, which had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist, has expressed frustration over Canada’s perceived leniency toward pro-Khalistan activities. This recent attack has further highlighted underlying political rifts, with India pushing for Canadian authorities to take stronger measures to prevent such incidents and protect the rights of Hindu Canadians.
Community leaders have expressed the need for Canadian law enforcement to address these incidents more rigorously, pointing to an alarming rise in religiously motivated attacks. Canada’s Hindu community, which numbers over half a million, has been calling for better safeguards as well as awareness of the cultural and political tensions that may be fueling these attacks.