Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the violence near the Hindu temple unacceptable. But their responsibility does not end with this alone. They should address the complaint that anti-India activities have been protected in Canada.
If people of Indian origin start fighting on the streets of Canada on the basis of religious identity, then it can be understood how dangerous the situation has become there. Anyway, the increased conflict in diplomatic relations between India and Canada in the last one and a quarter year has left millions of Indians living there apprehensive. A new chapter was added on Sunday, when pro-Khalistan Sikhs reached outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, when the Indian Consulate camp was set up there. People of the Hindu community objected to the sloganeering of Khalistan supporters, due to which a fight broke out. Canadian police arrested three people, all of whom belong to the Hindu community.
This development has further heightened the emotions. First the Indian High Commission in Canada, then the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and later Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement on the incident. Modi said- “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats.” Earlier, the Indian High Commission had condemned the “attack by anti-India elements”. It is clear that the Government of India has taken the incident very seriously. However, the main issue is why such explosive situations are being created among the Indians in Canada and what is the solution now?
Is it possible to re-establish mutual dialogue among people of Indian origin in Canada, so that despite differences they do not become victims of violence? The governments of both the countries should play a major role in such efforts. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appealed for peace, calling the violence near the Hindu temple in Brampton unacceptable. But their responsibility does not end with this alone. They should find a solution to the grievance in the minds of Indians that their government patronizes anti-India activities in Canada. On the other hand, the Government of India is expected to speak on behalf of all communities and give an uncompromising message in favor of community peace in Canada.