“UNACCEPTABLE”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier said that the violence at the Hindu temple on Sunday in Brampton, about 50km northwest of Toronto, was “unacceptable”.
Video circulating on social media appears to show individuals carrying yellow Khalistan flags clashing with a rival group, including people holding Indian flags. There were also isolated fist fights, videos show.
India’s foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal had earlier said the attack on the temple was “perpetrated by extremists and separatists”, and asked Canada to “ensure that all places of worship are protected” from such attacks.
“We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted,” he added.
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada”.
Beyond Nijjar’s killing, Canada has accused India of directing a broad campaign targeting Sikh activists on Canadian soil, which Ottawa says has included intimidation, threats and violence.
Trudeau charged the government of Prime Minister Modi with violating Canadian sovereignty.
India has rejected the allegations.
On Saturday, New Delhi denied that interior minister Amit Shah had plotted to target Sikh activists on Canadian soil, and said it had officially rebuked Ottawa over the “absurd and baseless” allegation.
New Delhi and Ottawa earlier this month each expelled the other’s ambassador and other senior diplomats.
