Brampton's Hindu Community Left Traumatized Following Diwali Incident

The Hindu community in Brampton, Ontario, is voicing deep concerns over their safety after a violent confrontation occurred outside a local temple during the Diwali celebrations on November 3. Community leaders are expressing outrage at what they perceive as a lack of police protection in response to the aggression from Khalistani protesters.

Pushpita Prasad, chief communications officer for the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA), described the incident as “traumatizing” for those involved. The conflict erupted as Hindus gathered to celebrate Diwali when a group advocating for a separate Khalistani state disrupted the festivities, leading to significant clashes.

This distressing event is not isolated; tensions have been escalating in Canadian cities, particularly around religious institutions. Similar incidents have been reported at a large Hindu temple in Surrey, British Columbia, emphasizing an ongoing challenge involving communal relations that transcend mere religious affiliations. “This isn’t just a clash of faiths; it’s a battleground for political ideologies,” Prasad stated.

According to community members, there is a growing sentiment that local politicians and law enforcement are neglecting their responsibilities to protect the Hindu community. Dr. Ragini Sharma, president of the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE), criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has publicly donned sacred Hindu attire during festivals but has failed to extend adequate security measures.

During the violent protest, defenders of the temple recorded instances of Khalistani protesters using flags as weapons and engaging in physical altercations with Hindus. Videos circulated on social media have sparked further outrage, showing the police allegedly failing to intervene effectively.

On November 4, a peaceful rally of around 6,000 Hindus was held to demonstrate solidarity, but the Peel Regional Police deemed the assembly unlawful, further compounding concerns over perceived “two-tier policing.” Anticipating potential violence around Diwali, Pandit Roopnauth Sharma of the Hindu Federation had reached out to police chief Nishan Duraiappah for heightened security; however, the response allegedly consisted of merely two police vehicles.

Critics have raised alarm over the approach taken by Peel police, particularly after one protester, identified as an off-duty officer, was suspended amid scrutiny over his actions. Addressing these escalating concerns, Brampton city council enacted new bylaws intended to protect places of worship from disruptive protests, although they remain ineffective if not properly enforced.

The advisory from Peel police urging temple officials to cancel future events due to safety concerns has been condemned as a capitulation to extremist threats. Temple representatives claimed that police even suggested covering substantial fees for additional security, a demand Peel police has categorically denied.

This increasingly hostile environment has not only affected the Hindu community but has also drawn condemnation from various Sikh groups, emphasizing that many Sikhs oppose the Khalistani movement and stand united with their Hindu neighbors. The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council publicly denounced the violence while calling for thorough investigations into these incidents.

As tensions simmer, the Hindu community seeks to reclaim their right to celebrate without fear and advocate for a cessation of hostility. The situation remains precarious, with stakeholders from both communities urging an urgent need for understanding and respect to foster peace and coexistence.