Violence at Hindu temple reflects new low for Trudeau administration, which recklessly cut ties with India

The violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was a symptom of a deeper malaise linked to the policy of unbridled encouragement of extremist elements of Justin Trudeau’s government. The unsavory incident not only exposed the mishandling of a sensitive situation, but also reflected a new low for the Trudeau administration, which recklessly cut ties with India after the murder of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. Although Trudeau condemned the violence at the temple and promised that all Canadians have the right to practice their faith freely, he owes an explanation for letting anti-Indian elements do whatever they want with impunity. Video footage of the temple incident shows local police targeting Hindu worshipers and trying to protect Khalistan supporters. This has rightly sparked widespread outrage in India. Hindu-Sikh tensions in the maple country are closely linked to the deterioration of relations between India and Canada. Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison’s allegation that Interior Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence gathering targeting Sikh separatists in that country has raised concerns anger of India. This is an irresponsible and scandalous statement. This accusation also encouraged pro-Khalistan elements to up the ante against the Indian government. Their anti-Indian protests put them on a collision course with Canadian citizens of Indian origin. Canada, which proudly considers itself a peace-loving land of opportunity, must firmly address those who threaten community harmony and public order. It must crack down on troublemakers and agitators, whatever community they belong to.

Trudeau must explain why he has developed anti-Indian rhetoric to such an extent that any reconciliation between the two countries seems impossible until he remains in power. Allowing the misuse of Canadian territory to spew venom against India — all in the name of free speech — undermines the diplomatic and democratic credibility of its government. Even a cursory review of his administration’s policies reveals that it is openly playing to the extremist fringe of the Sikh diaspora, treating them as a vote bank. His government has consistently ignored India’s concerns about the rise of anti-Indian extremist groups in Canada. The 2018 “Public Report on the Terrorist Threat Against Canada” cited Sikh extremism and violence as a concern, but under pressure from Sikh leaders and ministers, a revised report was released in 2019. The Trudeau’s Liberal Party has faced significant criticism at home for mishandling foreign policy issues, with opinion polls showing a steady decline in public confidence in Trudeau’s leadership. Recent reports even suggest that 22 senators from his own party have recommended that he step down, a stark indicator of eroding support. Given these internal pressures, Trudeau’s actions could be part of a broader strategy to attract certain blocs of voters, particularly those who might be sympathetic to pro-Khalistan causes.