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NEW DELHI: Canada’s Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre has called off a life certificate event that was planned for November 17, citing concerns about potential violent protests.
The event, a consular camp, was set to assist Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs in renewing essential life certificates, a requirement for various official purposes.
The temple administration released an official statement detailing the reasons behind the cancellation on Monday. “Please be advised that the Life Certificate Event scheduled at Brampton Triveni Mandir by the Indian Consulate on November 17, 2024, has been cancelled. This is due to official intelligence from Peel Regional Police, stating that there is an extremely high and imminent threat level of violent protests,” the statement said.
The temple authorities expressed regret to the community, many of whom rely on these consular services. “We apologize to all community members who were depending on the event. We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada,” the statement added.
Read also: Key facts about Inderjeet Gosal arrested by Canadian police for Hindu temple violence
The administration also urged Peel Police to take stronger action against threats targeted at the Hindu community and ensure the safety of all Canadian citizens, regardless of their faith.
Chief of Police with the Peel Regional Police in Canada, Nishan Duraiappah wrote to Brampton Triveni Mandir & Community Centre, requesting them to consider rescheduling the upcoming Consular Camp on November 17. “We believe that a temporary postponement could contribute meaningfully to de-escalating the present tensions and safeguarding the wellbeing of those attending your location,” the letter read.
Brampton Triveni Mandir serves as a community hub for Hindus and like-minded individuals, hosting gatherings for worship, religious discourses, and community service activities. However, in recent weeks, the temple has faced heightened tensions following incidents at nearby locations.
Read also: India slams ‘hypocrisy’ of Canada on free speech
This comes after an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton was violently disrupted on November 3. Following this, The Consulate General of India in Toronto announced the cancellation of several scheduled consular camps across Canada after local security agencies indicated that they were unable to guarantee the required safety measures for these community events.
The Hindu temple attack prompted a strong reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took to social media to condemn the “deliberate attack.” In his post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “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.”
This comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The claims, categorically denied by India, led to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India and strained bilateral ties, with New Delhi insisting that Canada has given space to pro-Khalistan elements.
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