3 men charged after violent protests outside GTA Hindu temple, Sikh gurdwara
Three men have been charged after violence erupted between groups of protesters at a series of demonstrations in Brampton and Mississauga on Sunday. Peel police have confirmed the arrests and charges against the accused individuals. The incidents occurred outside a Hindu temple and Sikh gurdwara in the area.
The first arrest was a 23-year-old man from Brampton who has been charged with assault with a weapon. The second individual, a 31-year-old man from Mississauga, has been charged with mischief over $5,000. The third man, a 43-year-old from Mississauga, is facing charges of causing a disturbance and assaulting a peace officer. A fourth person was also arrested on an unrelated warrant and subsequently released.
The violence initially broke out at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton, where Indian consular officials were visiting. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators clashing with each other, including some holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India. Fist fights and altercations involving poles can be seen in the footage.
Later in the day, protesters made their way to the Westwood Mall in Mississauga and then to the Malton gurdwara on Airport Road. Incidents of violence between protestors and worshippers occurred at all three locations. Peel police have indicated that the demonstrations appear to be related to one another.
One of the officers involved in the demonstration outside the Hindu temple has been suspended while an investigation is ongoing. A police officer was also treated for minor injuries at a hospital. The accused individuals are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.
Canadian political leaders at all levels have denounced the violence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on the Hindu temple and called for Canadian authorities to uphold the rule of law. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish also expressed their disapproval of the incidents, with Mayor Brown intending to introduce a motion to prohibit protests outside places of worship in Brampton.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada and Sikhs for Justice have raised concerns about the actions of Indian consulate officials and have called for measures to ensure the safety of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada. The Indian government has condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of consular outreach.
The clashes come amidst tensions between Canada and India, including recent expulsions of Indian diplomats over allegations of espionage. The situation has raised concerns about the safety and security of individuals involved in the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada. Efforts are being made to address the issues and prevent further incidents of violence in the future.
