Indian Consulate cancels Toronto event due to security threat from Khalistan extremists

OTTAWA: The Indian Consulate's scheduled event at the Triveni Community Center in Brampton, Toronto, has been canceled amid security concerns following warnings of a potential attack by Khalistan extremists. The event, intended to distribute life certificates and renew certificates for members of the Hindu and Sikh communities on November 16th and 17th, has been postponed indefinitely.

The Peel Regional Police had earlier cautioned authorities about possible threats to the gathering, citing concerns over public safety. The cancellation has left temple officials and the local Hindu community disappointed, with representatives expressing sorrow over the increasing sense of insecurity among Hindu temples in Canada. The community has called for heightened security measures to protect both the Hindu population and the general public.

Recently, a video surfaced of Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannu issuing a direct threat, claiming plans to disrupt the status quo of Ayodhya and target Indian diplomats at Toronto's Calibri Temple on November 16th and Brampton's Triveni temple on November 17th. This announcement followed a violent clash on November 3rd, when a march organized by Khalistani sympathizers at the Triveni Temple in Brampton led to physical confrontations, with videos circulating online showing protesters using sticks to attack individuals near the temple. The incident sparked widespread condemnation in Canada and internationally.

In response to the escalation of threats, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attacks, calling them cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats. Modi urged Canadian authorities to uphold justice and the rule of law, denouncing the violence as shameful. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing the situation, reaffirmed the country's commitment to religious freedom, stating that all individuals have the right to practice their faith without fear.