New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) In a rare reaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to social media to strongly condemn the deliberate attack by Khalistanis on a Hindu temple in Ontario, Canada, and the “cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats”.
In a post on X, the PM said that such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve.
“We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” the PM said.
His reaction came within hours of the MEA spokesperson issuing a statement condemning the violence perpetrated by Khalistani extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Sunday.
The MEA also called on the Canadian government to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that it expects all those indulging in the violence will be prosecuted.
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.”
It said that the outreach of Indian Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike “will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence”.
The statement came after Khalistani activists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, while Indian consular officials were holding a camp inside for the benefit of Indo-Canadians.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa in a statement protested the violent disruption by anti-India elements to the camp.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission said that it is deeply disappointing to see such violent disruptions being allowed for routine consular work that is held by the Indian consulate.
It said the consular camp was held for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian), and co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto.
The Indian High Commission said that Canadian authorities had been informed in advance and requested to provide strong security measures in view of the “prevailing security situation” in Canada.
It said similar attempts were held to disrupt consular camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
It said that the holding of further such consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by the local authorities.
In videos circulating on social media, Khalistani separatists wielding long sticks with yellow flags atop them were seen using them to attack Hindu devotees inside the Hindu Sabha temple premises grounds.
PM Modi’s post on X read:
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada.
“Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
