Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned “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,” he added.

In response to media queries regarding violence in Brampton, Canada, official spokesperson of India’s foreign affairs ministry Randhir Jaiswal condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario on Sunday.

“We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,” he added.

He also added that the outreach of India’s Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence.

Canada deployed heavy police force at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, after dispute reported accusing Sikh activists. In videos that went viral on social media, men were seen breaching the gates and attacking people inside the temple complex.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the violence “Unacceptable”. No arrests have been made, and police also declined to assign blame for the reported violence, a spokesman for the Peel Regional Police told AFP.

Responding to matter, Union Minister Ranveet Singh Bittu, said Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has divided the Indian Diaspora in Canada for his dirty politics. In a video message, the minister said the Canadian police appears to support the Khalistanis, and move against the government of Canada.

Read also: “Trudeau Has Divided Everyone”: Union Minister On Attack Against Hindu Temple In Canada

Condemning attack on the temple, the Minister said “Sikhs and Hindus live together in harmony in India but they are being pitched against each other in Canada. I highly condemn the attack on the temple or any religious place of worship by Trudeau’s khalistani elements”.

“The news reports coming in over the past few days, the situation that has formed in Canada do not pertain one particular religion. Be it Hindu or Sikh, PM Trudeau has divided everyone there…Khalistanis came outside religious places to disturb people in festive season. Their Police seem to be standing in support of Khalistanis…These will not be tolerated. We will move against the Govt of Canada, wherever we have to approach…These people who are raising Khalistani slogans are on their payroll…”, said Bittu.

India’s main Opposition party Congress has also responded to the the incident said it is “absolutely condemnable and in no uncertain words must be criticised”.

“We urge the Government of India to take up this issue very strongly with the Canadian authorities. Nobody can be allowed to disrupt any devotee from going into a temple. The way those devotees were harassed by pro-Khalistani elements and also, the Canadian Police were seen as trying to physically stop the devotees from counter-protesting, instead of taking any action against the pro-Khalistani elements. We hope the Government of India will take this matter up very strongly,” senior Congress leader Pawan Khera in a statement.

The attack came amidst the ongoing clash between India and Canada over the latter claim that Indian government officials are involved in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Najjar, a Canadian citizen.

Both the countries have expelled diplomats. Late week, Ottawa named New Delhi as a cyberthreat adversary, suggesting that state-sponsored actors could be spying against it. India called this move another Canadian strategy to attack and malign India internationally.