BRAMPTON, (ANI) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 4 condemned a violent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, denouncing it as a “cowardly attempt” to intimidate India’s diplomats and calling on Canadian authorities to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Modi’s statement followed the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) condemnation of the violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple here in Ontario, on November 3. “Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve,” Modi stated, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting its diaspora in Canada despite these intimidations.

This marks Modi’s first public response amid ongoing tensions between India and Canada following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India has dismissed as “absurd” and “motivated.”

The attack occurred during an Indian consular camp held at the Hindu Sabha Temple, where officials aimed to provide services to Indian and Canadian citizens. According to the MEA, the outreach of consular officers “will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, and violence.”

Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple. Emphasizing religious freedom, Trudeau stated, “Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” and thanked the Peel Regional Police for their prompt response.

Peel Regional Police reported that three individuals were arrested and charged, with additional acts of unlawful behavior.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over what he described as a “crossing of a red line” by Khalistani extremists, underscoring a troubling rise in religious intolerance.

Videos of the attack, shared by the Hindu Canadian Foundation, depict the violence and its impact on women and children.

The incident sparked strong reactions from community organizations, with the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council urging local authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack and reiterating that places of worship must remain safe spaces for spirituality and community cohesion, free from violence.