The Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada, temporarily suspended its priest, Rajinder Parsad, following a controversial speech he delivered after a Khalistani mob attacked devotees on Diwali weekend. In his speech, Parsad urged the Hindu community to unite, warning them that "division will bring annihilation," which drew criticism, including from Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown, who accused him of inciting “violent rhetoric.” However, after a two-day review, the temple organization reversed its decision and reinstated him, stating they hadn’t authorized his participation in the events but had reassessed the circumstances surrounding his suspension.
The incident occurred on November 3, when a pro-Khalistani group reportedly stormed the Hindu Sabha temple premises. Videos circulated on social media showed the assailants holding Khalistani flags and banners, with the group allegedly attacking temple-goers and disrupting a consular event jointly organized by the temple and the Indian Consulate. The incident, which unfolded during a time of heightened cultural celebration, left several community members shaken, with the consulate’s function momentarily disrupted by the chaos.
In response to the violence, Peel Police deployed at the site came under scrutiny, with many accusing them of inadequate handling and showing perceived bias during the disturbance. Despite the evident hostility, Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, issued a condemnation of the violence against Hindus but stopped short of naming the pro-Khalistani group, a decision that sparked further tension among Indian communities and their supporters in Canada.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also weighed in, condemning the attack and calling for swift action against those responsible. Expressing its ongoing concern for the welfare of Indian nationals in Canada, the ministry urged Ottawa to ensure the safety and security of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the broader concerns that diplomatic tensions between the two countries could intensify.
The Hindu Sabha’s reinstatement of Parsad following the review emphasizes the complex nature of the situation, wherein voices calling for unity within the community are viewed as necessary by some but controversial by others in Canada’s multicultural landscape. The temple organization’s swift initial action, paired with the eventual reinstatement, reflects a balance between addressing public criticism and supporting the sentiments of the local Hindu community, which felt targeted by the recent attack.
