Violence erupted outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton after a pro-Khalistan protest. Here's how Canadian leaders and India reacted.
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00:00A clash between devotees and pro-Khalistan activists broke out at the Hindu Sabha temple
00:10in Brampton, Canada.
00:12Several videos went viral on social media, showing one group holding Khalistan, Canadian
00:16and American flags, while the other holding up saffron flags and the Indian tricolour.
00:29Protesters of Sikhs for Justice, an outfit that advocates for the separate state of Khalistan
00:34for Sikhs, were protesting against the arrival of Indian consular officials at the temple,
00:40saying the officials used such events to find informants against Sikh separatists.
00:45The Indian consular officials had come here to offer administrative services such as helping
00:50senior citizens get access to pension.
00:53But protesters were of the view that Indian officials should operate only from their diplomatic
00:58premises and not outside, saying their visits directly endanger the safety and security
01:03of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada.
01:06A video shared by Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya showed the pro-Khalistan group
01:11charging at the other, but Sikhs for Justice alleged that the other group started the fight.
01:16While the Peel Regional Police, which was investigating the incident, did not assign
01:20blame for the violence, the Indian High Commission blamed anti-India elements for it.
01:25The incident took place weeks after Canada alleged that the Government of India was involved
01:30in the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen.
01:35Sikhs agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities.
01:41I know the events of the past year and today's revelations have shaken many Canadians,
01:47particularly those in the Indo-Canadian and Sikh community.
01:51In its response, India's External Affairs Ministry alleged that Prime Minister Justin
01:56Trudeau was seeking political gains by serving an anti-India separatist agenda.
02:01On the Brampton incident, Trudeau said the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir
02:05in Brampton today are unacceptable.
02:07Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
02:12MP Chandra Arya said a red line has been crossed by Canadian-Khalistani extremists.
02:17No wonder that under the freedom of expression,
02:20Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada, he added.
02:24The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, called the violence completely unacceptable,
02:29saying no one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.
02:32And MP Jagmeet Singh said he unequivocally condemned the acts of violence,
02:37adding that every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace.
02:41Back in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also put out a statement condemning the violence,
02:46saying such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve.
02:50We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
02:54The Peel Regional Police, which was present at the demonstration that took place in Brampton,
02:59said three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions
03:04and that several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated.