Protest breaks out at Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont.

Peel Regional Police say they are aware of a protest that occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont., on Sunday.

Federal minister Anita Anand posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she is “concerned about reports of unacceptable violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.”

“All religions, Hindus included, have the right to attend places of worship and practice their religion without such assaults,” she wrote.

Video circulating on X appears to show people using flagpoles to strike others.

The Hindu Canadian Foundation alleges the “attack” is “happening under the support of Khalistaani politician sympathizers.”

Peel police said there was an increased visibility in the area of ​​the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton’s northeast end following a demonstration at a place of worship.

“While we respect the individual right to protest as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our duty and responsibility remains to maintain public order and ensure the safety of everyone,” police said.

“Several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated, as we continue to review recordings of the incident(s) to identify those responsible.”

Police also said investigators believe the same protestors relocated to Westwood Mall in Mississauga, Ont. During the protest, police said one person was arrested and an officer sustained minor injuries.

The protestors then moved to Airport and Derry roads in Mississauga, police said, adding they will continue to have an increased visible presence in the area.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also posted about the incident calling it “completely unacceptable.”

“All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace,” Poilievre wrote.

Other political leaders in the community also took to social media to discuss the protest.

“I am troubled to hear about the recent acts of violence outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton,” MP Ruby Sahota said. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and respected in their places of worship. There is no room for such actions in our society, and I strongly denounce this violence.”

“I condemn this violence and hope the authorities are doing everything to ensure the Hindu community feels safe and can enjoy the freedom to worship without fear,” Mississauga Ward 7 councilor Dipika Damerla said.

Meanwhile across the country in Surrey, BC, videos have begun to circulate online of Surrey Police being deployed at a Hindu temple.

Reporters on the scene say police have been attempting to keep the peace between Khalistan protesters and those at the temple.

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