Pro-Khalistan protestors vs. devotees in Brampton

Violence erupted outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton after a pro-Khalistan protest. Here's how Canadian leaders and India reacted.

Transcript

00:00A clash between devotees and pro-Khalistan activists broke out at the Hindu Sabha temple

00:10in Brampton, Canada.

00:12Several videos went viral on social media, showing one group holding Khalistan, Canadian

00:16and American flags, while the other holding up saffron flags and the Indian tricolour.

00:29Protesters of Sikhs for Justice, an outfit that advocates for the separate state of Khalistan

00:34for Sikhs, were protesting against the arrival of Indian consular officials at the temple,

00:40saying the officials used such events to find informants against Sikh separatists.

00:45The Indian consular officials had come here to offer administrative services such as helping

00:50senior citizens get access to pension.

00:53But protesters were of the view that Indian officials should operate only from their diplomatic

00:58premises and not outside, saying their visits directly endanger the safety and security

01:03of pro-Khalistan citizens in Canada.

01:06A video shared by Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya showed the pro-Khalistan group

01:11charging at the other, but Sikhs for Justice alleged that the other group started the fight.

01:16While the Peel Regional Police, which was investigating the incident, did not assign

01:20blame for the violence, the Indian High Commission blamed anti-India elements for it.

01:25The incident took place weeks after Canada alleged that the Government of India was involved

01:30in the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen.

01:35Sikhs agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities.

01:41I know the events of the past year and today's revelations have shaken many Canadians,

01:47particularly those in the Indo-Canadian and Sikh community.

01:51In its response, India's External Affairs Ministry alleged that Prime Minister Justin

01:56Trudeau was seeking political gains by serving an anti-India separatist agenda.

02:01On the Brampton incident, Trudeau said the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir

02:05in Brampton today are unacceptable.

02:07Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.

02:12MP Chandra Arya said a red line has been crossed by Canadian-Khalistani extremists.

02:17No wonder that under the freedom of expression,

02:20Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada, he added.

02:24The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, called the violence completely unacceptable,

02:29saying no one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.

02:32And MP Jagmeet Singh said he unequivocally condemned the acts of violence,

02:37adding that every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace.

02:41Back in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also put out a statement condemning the violence,

02:46saying such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve.

02:50We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

02:54The Peel Regional Police, which was present at the demonstration that took place in Brampton,

02:59said three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions

03:04and that several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated.