Hindu temple in Surrey demands suspension of police officers amid ongoing unrest

A Hindu temple in Surrey has called for the suspension of police officers involved in what it describes as “unjustified violence against temple devotees” during an incident on Sunday that led to the arrest of three individuals. The unrest occurred outside the Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hindu Temple 140 Street, coinciding with a protest by supporters of the Khalistan movement.

The protesters were advocating for a separate Sikh nation, Khalistan, during a visit by Indian consular officials, which sparked tension in the area. In response to the disturbance, temple officials have issued a statement on social media condemning the incident, labeling it an “attack on the Hindu temple by extremist elements.”

Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, which operates the temple, demanded that authorities take swift action. “For the safety of Canadian society, we demand an immediate inquiry into the incident,” the post on Facebook reads. “We also call for the suspension, investigation, and prosecution of the police officers involved in unjustified violence against temple devotees.”

The statement also emphasised the urgent need for the local police to address the concerns of the Hindu community and take action against those responsible for the altercation. Temple officials are in discussions with Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), pushing for the creation of a “buffer zone” around the temple for future consular events to avoid further clashes.

This call comes after a similar situation arose at Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, where protesters disrupted a consular event the previous weekend. The Vancouver gurdwara successfully applied for an injunction, resulting in a 60-m buffer zone to prevent intimidation by protesters.

Video Footage Shows Police Intervention

Video footage shared on social media shows multiple police officers restraining two men on the ground outside the temple. Both RCMP and Surrey Police Service officers were reportedly involved in the incident. The videos depict officers attempting to handcuff one individual, before carrying him to a police vehicle.

When questioned about the temple’s claims of police violence, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, who oversees the Surrey RCMP, stated that he is “continuing to meet with local temple leaders to address their concerns.”

Three Arrests, All Released

In total, three individuals were arrested during the incident. All have since been released while RCMP’s general investigation unit conducts its inquiries.

While the details of the arrests remain under investigation, police confirmed that no serious injuries were reported during the event. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke expressed her concerns about the escalating tensions. “This is not who we are in Surrey,” Locke said in a statement, condemning the violence. “I have reached out to all parties involved and called for the community to remain calm. I have also contacted Premier David Eby to discuss the situation.”

Premier David Eby also issued a statement expressing his concern over the clashes. “We are deeply troubled by reports of confrontations at the Surrey temple. Our government is committed to working with all levels of law enforcement to maintain peace and harmony in our communities,” he said.

Brampton Incident Sparks Further Tensions

Similar unrest occurred at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, also on Sunday, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn what he described as a “deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada.”

The ongoing tensions reflect deeper geopolitical issues. The Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state, has long been a source of controversy both in India and among the global Sikh diaspora. Canada, particularly in cities like Surrey, has been identified as a hotspot for Khalistani activism, drawing sharp criticism from India.

This movement gained further attention earlier this year when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the June killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim that further strained relations between the two countries.

Sikh Community Responds to Growing Tensions

Sikh organisations and gurdwaras across Canada have expressed their condemnation of violence aimed at the Sikh community. Leaders have repeatedly criticised what they describe as attempts by Indian authorities to foment division and escalate tensions in Canada. The recent spate of incidents, including the attacks on peaceful Sikh protesters in Surrey and Brampton, continues to highlight the struggles faced by the Sikh community in exercising their democratic rights.

“These attacks are not only an assault on the Sikh community but a threat to the fabric of Canadian democracy,” said a statement from Canadian Sikh Coalition.