Ottawa, Nov 5
The incident involving the attack on a temple in Brampton, Canada, is escalating. Now, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has also made a statement on the matter, saying that the vandalism at a Hindu temple on Monday is extremely concerning.
During his official visit, he spoke to reporters in the Australian capital, Canberra, stating, “What happened at a Hindu temple in Canada yesterday was clearly very concerning.”
‘Extremist forces are being given space’
The Foreign Minister further added that “extremist forces are being given political space in Canada.” He also pointed out that monitoring Indian diplomats by Canada is unacceptable.
Protesters raised slogans in opposition
In protest of the incident, members of the Hindu community took to the streets on Monday. A large number of Hindus gathered to protest, raising slogans like “Divided you will fall” and “Long live the revolution.”
It is worth mentioning that this incident comes a few weeks after Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats in connection with the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada in 2023. Canada has accused the Indian government of conducting a broad campaign against South Asian dissidents in Canada, a claim New Delhi denies.
Increased tension between Sikh separatists and Indian diplomats
This incident has heightened tensions between Canada and India as well as between Sikh separatists and Indian diplomats. Last month, two Hindu temples in Canberra were also vandalized, which Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described as troubling for members of the Indian community.
Statement from the Australian Foreign Minister
She told reporters, “People across Australia have the right to feel safe and respected, as well as the right to protest peacefully and express their views peacefully.” She added, “We draw a line between that and incitement to violence, hate, or vandalism.”
About The Author
