November 4, 2024: In a shocking incident that has raised alarms about religious safety in Canada, devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple near Toronto were attacked on Sunday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the violence, emphasizing the necessity of upholding the right to practice religion "freely and safely," and labeling the attack as "unacceptable."

The violence erupted during a consular camp organized by the Indian High Commission at the temple, resulting in heavy police presence as videos circulated on social media showing a group of men breaching the temple gates and assaulting worshippers. The assailants were reportedly linked to pro-Khalistani groups, as indicated by flags carried during the attack.

Peel Regional Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made and have not assigned blame for the violence. The incident has drawn condemnation from various political figures, with MP Chandra Arya expressing concern over the rise of "deep and brazen" violent extremism in Canada. Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to assert their rights and hold political leaders accountable for their safety.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown joined the call for accountability, stating that religious freedom is a foundational Canadian value and that everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. "Punishment should be meted out to the greatest extent of the law for those responsible for this violence," he posted on X.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to unite Canadians to end the chaos, while Toronto MP Kevin Vuong criticized the government for failing to protect Hindu-Canadians, stating that Canada has become a "safe harbour for radicals."

In a statement, the Indian High Commission condemned the "violent disruption," noting that they had requested strong security measures in advance due to the prevailing tensions. The consulate expressed concerns for the safety of applicants at the camp and highlighted the deteriorating diplomatic relations between Canada and India.

The violence occurs amidst an ongoing diplomatic crisis between the two nations, with recent accusations from Canada alleging that India orchestrated the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan activist. This has led to heightened tensions, including the expulsion of diplomats and accusations of cyber threats.

As the investigation continues, the Hindu Canadian Foundation reported that women and children were among those attacked, further underscoring the urgent need for protective measures for all communities in Canada.