The Consulate General of India in Toronto canceled several consular camps after violent clashes broke out between protesters carrying Khalistani flags and attendees at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple. The consular camps were intended to help Indian pensioners obtain life certificates but were canceled due to security agencies’ inability to ensure adequate protection amid ongoing threats from Khalistani extremists.
The Consulate announced the cancellations on X (formerly Twitter), citing security concerns for the organizers. The disruption at the temple was part of a pattern of violent incidents targeting Hindu establishments, which has prompted India to raise concerns about the safety of its nationals in Canada.
Following the clashes, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the Canadian government to protect places of worship and to prosecute those responsible for the violence. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks, emphasizing that India’s consular services will continue despite intimidation attempts.
The High Commission of India in Ottawa expressed disappointment over interruptions to another consular camp in Brampton, where over 1,000 life certificates were still issued despite anti-India disruptions. Similar disruptions were also reported at consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
The rise in attacks has led the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), the Hindu Federation, and temple leaders to prohibit political use of temple facilities unless politicians demonstrate clear efforts to address the growing threat posed by Khalistani extremism.
Concerns have been raised over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response, as incidents of religious intolerance continue to rise across Canada.
