• Source:JND
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Canada Temple Attack: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed grave concerns over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton, allegedly by Khalistani sympathisers, calling it an alarming indication of "political space" granted to extremist forces in Canada. Addressing a joint press briefing with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra, Jaishankar termed the attack on the Hindu temple "deeply concerning", highlighting PM Modi's response to the attack.

"You should have seen the statement by our official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by our PM yesterday. That should convey to you how deeply we feel about it," Jaishankar said, as quoted by ANI. Jaishankar further reiterated that Canada has made allegations without providing specifics.

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"Let me make three comments. One, Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. Secondly, when we look at Canada, for us the fact that they are putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable," he said.

"Third, the incidents (attack on the Hindu Temple) and do look at the videos. I think they will tell you in a way in political space today which has been given to extremist forces there," the Foreign Minister added.

Jaishankar's remarks came after protesters, waving Khalistani flags, disrupted an event at the Hindu Sabha Temple, co-hosted by the Indian Consulate, in Brampton. Following the attack on Sunday, over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered at the temple on Monday to protest these repeated acts of violence, urging Canadian authorities to ensure their protection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, describing it as a "deliberate" act and denouncing efforts to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada. "Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued a strong statement, urging Canada to prosecute those responsible for the violence and protect places of worship. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, "We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists… we call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected."

This incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Canada over alleged Canadian support for Khalistani separatist groups and accusations concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated as a terrorist by India.