After diplomatic ties between Canada and India worsened, tensions started rising between these communities. The situation escalated when the RCMP alleged that Indian agencies were involved in the killings of Sikh separatists in Canada. In response, the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) began demanding the permanent closure of Indian consulates in Canada. Amid this tension, pro-India groups organized consulate camps at gurdwaras and mandirs, where consulate officials issued life certificates for individuals receiving pensions from India.
Last year, when consulate officials visited the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, Khalistani groups confronted them, leading to a verbal altercation. To prevent further conflict, the gurdwara community sought a Supreme Court order to establish a 50-meter buffer zone around the premises. Despite the buffer zone, pro-Khalistani groups protested outside the gurdwara recently (staying outside the 50-meter area), raising slogans against the Indian government. They have also announced a protest outside Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia.
In Ontario, tensions rose further during a consulate camp at the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Gore Rd in Brampton. Khalistani groups protested at the mandir’s entrance, raising slogans against the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi. When some individuals from the mandir approached the protesters, a verbal altercation ensued, escalating into a clash and though both sides exchanged provocative slogans.
Full Video of Incident
Following this incident, tensions also grew in Surrey, British Columbia, where Khalistani groups protested outside the Laxmi Narayan Mandir as Indian consulate officials held a camp. RCMP intervened to manage the situation as both sides exchanged heated speeches and slogans. Pro-India supporters also attempted to approach the Khalistani protesters, leading to a face-off with RCMP.
On this incident, Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the violence. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also released statements condemning the incident. In response, Sikhs for Justice released a statement claiming that “Referendum Coordinator Gosal Survived a Violent Attack by Indo-Canadian Hindus.”
After this incident, a letter dated October 30th came to light, in which the Hindu Federation requested heightened security and vigilance at Hindu places of worship during Diwali, from October 29 to November 2.
Additionally, a gathering was held inside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, where Hindu community leaders called for unity and expressed concern about being targeted.
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also released a statement condemning the violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton.
In response to these events, pro-India supporters gathered with Indian flags outside the Sikh gurdwara in Malton to protest the actions of Khalistani groups outside the mandir. Police are working to control the situation, as both groups continue to raise slogans against each other.
On this incident, the High Commission of India in Ottawa also released a statement regarding the attack outside the consular camp.
Meanwhile, after today’s incident, both groups are blaming each other. Pro-Indian groups are also accusing the RCMP of having a soft corner for Khalistani groups and arresting Hindu community protesters.
