- Sunday, February 23, 2025
The camp was to be held in Brampton on November 17 and offer Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs a chance to renew essential life certificates
By: Shajil Kumar
THE BRAMPTON TRIVENI COMMUNITY CENTRE near Toronto in Canada has cancelled its forthcoming consular camp, where the Indian consulate was to issue life certificates, citing security threat.
The camp was to be held in Brampton on November 17 and offer Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs a chance to renew essential life certificates, according to media reports.
The community centre said in a statement the event was being cancelled following the intelligence reports received by Peel Regional Police of violent protests being planned to disrupt the event.
It urged the Peel Police to address the threats being faced by the Brampton Triveni Mandir and to ensure security of the Canadian Hindu community and general public.
On November 3, a consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto, was violently disrupted by pro-Khalistani supporters.
Unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan. The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the temple.
The incident was widely condemned in Canada and internationally. Prime minister Justin Trudeau said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.
India condemned the attack with an expectation that those indulging in violence “will be prosecuted”.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.
Arrest
Canadian police on Sunday arrested a 35-year-old Brampton resident on charges of assault.
The Peel Regional Police are investigating several offences that occurred during the November 3 demonstration.
Investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and Strategic Investigation Team (SIT) have arrested and charged Inderjeet Gosal of Brampton, the Peel Police statement said.
Gosal, is Sikhs for Justice coordinator for Canada, Toronto Star reported. This US-based organisation is banned in India.
Strained ties
The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following prime minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.
New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”.
India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. (Agencies)
