Canadian Police arrest 3 amid Hindu community's protest against Khalistani intimidation

Brampton: Peel Regional Police in Canada have arrested three individuals following a demonstration organised by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). The protest was against "Khalistani intimidation" and "anti-Hindu" hatred after recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada.

In an official statement released on Monday, the police noted that the demonstration "subsequently" relocated to two different locations within Mississauga. The charges against the individuals will be investigated by the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau, alongside the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Details of the Demonstration

"Earlier today, Peel Regional Police were present at a demonstration held at a place of worship in Brampton. The event was subsequently relocated to two different locations within the city of Mississauga. As a result of these demonstrations, three individuals have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions. Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated by our 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau along with 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau," the statement read.

According to a further update, the protest moved to the Westwood Mall area and then to Airport Road and Derry Road in Mississauga. During the management of the protest, one individual was arrested, resulting in minor injuries to a police officer.

"Police believe that the same protestors relocated to the Westwood Mall area in the City of Mississauga. During the management of the protest, an individual was arrested, which resulted in an officer sustaining minor injuries. The same group of protestors has since relocated to the area of Airport Road and Derry Road in Mississauga," the statement added.

Calls for Peaceful Protests

In response to the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, Canadian Hindu organisations have called for a "peaceful protest." This protest was planned at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey.

Earlier on Sunday, an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton experienced a "violent disruption." Following these attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation serving the Hindu community in Canada, released a video of the incident, claiming that Khalistani terrorists targeted children and women.

The Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the "violent disruption" by 'anti-India' elements outside the consular camp. The High Commission further stated that any future events would be organised "contingent on security arrangements" made by local authorities.

Prime Minister Trudeau's Response

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton by Khalistani extremists. Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, Trudeau affirmed that every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.

In a post on X, Trudeau wrote, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident."

With ANI inputs