Hundreds gathered outside a Hindu temple in Brampton the day after violent clashes erupted between demonstrators at Hindu and Sikh places of worship across Peel Region. The Hindu priest, Rajender Parsad, who was suspended in the wake of these incidents, has now been reinstated, with the Hindu Canadian Foundation stating on social media that Parsad has been “cleared of any wrongdoing.”
The unrest began on November 3 when protests broke out at the Hindu Sabha Mandir following a visit by Indian officials, who were met with calls for a separate Sikh nation, Khalistan. Tensions spilled over to other locations in Mississauga, with opposing groups converging at the Brampton temple before police intervened to disperse the crowds.
Three people were arrested, and a police officer was suspended due to the clashes. A fourth man was later arrested on charges of incitement of hatred, and arrest warrants were issued for two additional individuals.
In a statement, the temple clarified that it had no prior knowledge of Parsad’s involvement and did not permit him to engage in any controversial activities. Madhusudan Lama, President of Hindu Sabha Mandir, confirmed Parsad’s reinstatement after a review of the situation.
However, the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee voiced disappointment over the swift reinstatement, criticizing the priest’s alleged role in promoting divisive rhetoric. “This hateful rhetoric and ensuing violence are unacceptable,” they noted, urging accountability for all involved.
The clashes have heightened tensions between Canada and India, coming just weeks after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over alleged interference with pro-Khalistan activists.
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