Violence condemnable, government must take up issue very strongly with Canada: Congress

Dubbing the violence outside a temple in Brampton in Canada "absolutely condemnable", Congress Monday urged the Centre to take up the issue "very strongly" with the Canadian authorities.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "It is absolutely condemnable, in no uncertain words. We urge govt of India to take up the issue very strongly with Canadian authorities. No one can be allowed to disrupt any devotee from going to a temple."

"The way those devotees were harassed by pro-Khalistani elements and Canadian police was seen as trying to physically stop devotees from a counter-protest instead of taking action against pro-Khalistani elements. We hope govt of India will take it up very strongly," Khera added.

Sunday's violence, meanwhile, drew the attention of Europe's Indian Overseas Congress and other groups worldwide, underscoring the need for peaceful coexistence within Canada's multicultural framework. IOC's Europe coordinator, Rajwinder Singh, described the violence as a critical reminder that freedom of expression must operate within the Canadian Constitution, which protects individual rights while fostering respect among diverse groups. "Violence, in a place of worship especially, is unacceptable. Every community in Canada needs to recognise that the freedoms granted to one are applicable to all equally. Mutual respect and coexistence are central to Canadian society," he said.

IOC's UK vice-president, Gurminder Kaur Randhawa, expressed concern over the rising tensions and said that diversity and respect for individual rights were foundational in modern societies.