Peel Regional Police on Tuesday said that no direct threats have been received against places of worship in the Region of Peel, even as tensions run high across Canada.
“Peel Regional Police is aware of community concerns, particularly at places of worship, regarding demonstrations and perceived threats. Peel Regional Police wish to clarify that we have not received any direct threats against any place of worship in the Region of Peel,” the Peel Regional Police said in a statement.
To address public concerns, the police said that they have increased patrols and are actively engaging with community leaders and organizations to ensure a sense of security.
Officials have also coordinated efforts with the Consul General of India and local religious institutions to collaboratively address risks and prevent escalation.
“Given the current tensions in the community and a shared interest in maintaining public safety, the organizers agreed to postpone Consular Camps to a later date,” Peel Police said.
This clarification from the authorities comes just a day after Brampton’s Triveni Mandir and Community Centre cancelled a consular camp event scheduled for November 17, citing a “high and imminent threat level of violent protests.” The event was intended to provide essential life certificate renewals for Canadian Hindus and Sikhs, a necessary document for official purposes.
In a statement, temple authorities expressed regret for the disruption and conveyed their disappointment over the escalating concerns, “We apologize to all community members who were depending on the event. We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada.”
Amid these developments, the temple administration urged Peel Police to take firm action to safeguard the Hindu community and highlighted the need for enhanced security for all citizens, regardless of faith.
Earlier, Peel Police arrested Lal Banerjee, 57, in connection with a protest at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. Banerjee was charged with “public incitement of hatred,” under section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, and was released with conditions pending a court appearance.
This arrest came in response to a November 3 demonstration at the Hindu Sabha Temple, where violence disrupted an Indian consular camp, sparking renewed concern among Hindu-Canadians over the frequency of such incidents.
Over a thousand Canadian Hindus have since rallied at the temple, urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks on religious sites.
This comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The claims, categorically denied by India, led to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India and strained bilateral ties, with New Delhi insisting that Canada has given space to pro-Khalistan elements.
