Key Points:
- Attack on Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton Gurdwara condemned.
- Alleged Indian government interference highlighted.
- Protests in Brampton, Malton, Vancouver, and Surrey met with violence.
- Calls for decisive action to safeguard democratic rights in Canada.
In a joint statement on Monday, the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council (BCGC), Ontario Gurdwaras Committee (OGC), World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO), Guru Nanak Darbar Lasalle (Quebec), Gurdwara Sahib Dashmesh Culture Centre (Calgary), and Sikh Federation (Canada) strongly condemned the attack on Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton late Sunday night. They accused Indian authorities of inciting violence and division within Canada.
The statement also highlighted recent attacks on peaceful Sikh protestors in Brampton and Surrey, emphasizing the ongoing challenges the Sikh community faces in exercising their democratic rights amidst alleged Indian foreign interference.
The organizations pointed out that Indian consulates have been organizing consular camps across Canadian cities, including within places of worship, despite opposition from the Sikh community. They referenced the RCMP’s October 15 announcement, which identified six senior Indian diplomats as persons of interest in organized crimes targeting Sikhs in Canada, including the assassination of Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
During a protest at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, tensions escalated as pro-India counter-protestors confronted Sikh demonstrators, resulting in violence and injuries, including to Peel Police officers. Later that day, the situation intensified at Westwood Mall in Malton, where pro-India protestors attempted to storm the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara. Police intervention led to the arrest of three individuals, though tensions persisted throughout the night.
Similar protests occurred at the Khalsa Diwan Society Ross Street in Vancouver and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, with additional arrests. The statement criticized Indian media for misrepresenting the protests as anti-Hindu events, clarifying that Sikh grievances are directed at the Indian government, not the Hindu community.
The joint statement cited reports from NSICOP, Global Affairs Canada, and CSIS detailing India’s disinformation campaigns and psychological warfare aimed at discrediting Sikh activists in Canada. The organizations called on Canadian authorities to take decisive action against those inciting violence and to protect the rights of individuals to assemble and express their views peacefully.
They commended Peel Police for their efforts in controlling the violent demonstrations and urged continued vigilance to maintain peace. The statement concluded by urging Gurdwaras across Canada to remain vigilant and reaffirmed the Sikh community’s commitment to justice and sovereignty, inspired by the legacy of Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar.