‘Failed To Provide Security Against Khalistanis’: Canada Hindu Temple Cancels Consular Camp Amid Police Pressure

A Hindu temple in Ontario, Canada, recently cancelled a consular camp scheduled for Sunday after local law enforcement issued warnings about credible security threats. The event was intended to provide consular services to the local community. However, citing “reliable intelligence regarding security concerns,” authorities urged the organisers to reconsider holding the event to ensure the safety of attendees and staff.

The temple administration criticised the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) for its failure to ensure the safety of community events, calling it a ‘blatant demonstration of incompetence’. They urged HRPS to take immediate action to provide viable safety solutions for Hindu Canadians, Sikhs, Muslims, and others, particularly seniors, who rely on such services.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has failed to provide adequate security for the Vaishno Devi Temple against #Khalistani extremists. Despite initially offering their facility as an alternative venue, HRPS withdrew this option at the last moment and instead suggested… pic.twitter.com/sDcwOEq9ZL

— Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) (@officialHinduCF) November 21, 2024

The executive committee of the temple said the camp was cancelled “following official communication from Acting Chief Roger Wilkie of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS). Based on reliable intelligence regarding security concerns, HRPS has deemed it necessary to cancel the event to ensure the safety of all participants, including Consulate staff, community members, and the general public.”

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Security Risks Force Event Cancellation

The statement explained that alternative venues, including the HRPS headquarters, were considered. However, HRPS's security assessment concluded that the event could not proceed safely due to risks to Consulate staff and attendees.

“We are profoundly saddened that our senior citizens and community members cannot safely access these essential services at places of worship or public institutions. The safety and security of our congregation, particularly our elderly members, remain our paramount concern,” the statement added.

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India’s Consulate in Vancouver organised consular camps at Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwaras in Abbotsford and Vancouver on November 16 and 17, providing 709 life certificates to pensioners. Similar camps were held on November 10 in Edmonton, Alberta, and in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan.