Brampton, Canada

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A Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton has suspended a priest for spreading violent rhetoric during recent clashes between protesters carrying Khalistani flags and the people in the area.

In a statement published on Tuesday (Nov. 5), the Hindu Sabha temple said that the priest was identified as Rajinder Prasad. The statement said that due to the controversial involvement of Prasad with the non-permitted protesters at the Hindu Sabha premises on November 3, the temple was suspending him with immediate effect.

What happened on November 3?

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According to a report by the news agency PTI on Thursday, the November 3 protest at the Hindu Sabha temple and unverified videos on social media showed demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan.

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PTI reported that the videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appeared to be the grounds surrounding the temple. The protesters had disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha and the Indian consulate.

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Violence broke out at the temple after members of the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice launched the protest while Indian consular officials were visiting the site.

Brampton Mayor, Canadian PM condemn attack

In a post on X, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the attack.

"This is leadership that is helpful. The vast majority of Sikh Canadians and Hindu Canadians want to live in harmony and don’t tolerate violence. Hindu Sabha Mandir President Madhusudan Lama has suspended the pundit who spread violent rhetoric," Brown said.

"Remember we all have more in common than what divides us. In tense times, we can’t let the agitators fuel the flames of division. The leadership of both Sikh and Hindu communities in the GTA do not want this division, hate and violence," Brown added.

He also asked people in the community to not respond to violence and hate.

Condemning the incident, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that citizens had the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked the local authorities for their swift response to protect the community and probe this incident.

(With inputs from agencies)