Toronto: Two Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have cancelled consular camps scheduled for this weekend due to security concerns.
The consular camps, organized by officials from India’s consulate in Toronto, were scheduled to take place at the Toronto Kali Bari and Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre on November 16 and 17, respectively.
However, both temples confirmed to the Hindustan Times that they will no longer host the camps.
The decision comes amid heightened concerns within the Hindu community following a violent attack by pro-Khalistan protesters at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3.
In a statement, the Triveni Mandir announced the cancellation, citing a warning from Peel Regional Police about an “Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level” of violent protests.
The statement expressed regret, stating, “We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu temples in Canada.” It also called on Peel Police to address the threats against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security assurances for both the Canadian Hindu community and the general public.
Two members of the Board of Trustees at Kali Bari confirmed to the Hindustan Times that they have also cancelled the consular camp scheduled for Saturday. “After what happened at Hindu Sabha, we are concerned about our safety,” one trustee stated. Kali Bari Secretary Ayan Mukherjee added, “Yes, we have cancelled the camp that was to be held on Saturday.”
Yudhisthir Dhanraj, president of the Triveni Mandir, described the decision to cancel the camp as “very difficult” for them.
Dhanraj, originally from Guyana, stated, “We were indirectly forced to cancel the event.”
The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had posted an online notice identifying the two temples as the venues for the consular camps.
India’s consulate in Toronto had announced last week that it would be cancelling “some” consular camps. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the consulate explained, “In view of security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers, the consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps.”
These camps are typically held to provide life certificates to pensioners, offering a free and convenient service for elderly individuals at a location near their homes.
The Vishwa Jain Sangathan Canada condemned the cancellation, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that police and politicians had “failed to protect the Hindu community.”
In a statement, the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) expressed concern, saying, “It is a troubling moment for Canada when its police seem to yield to extremist threats instead of protecting the rights of Canadian Hindus. Peel Police’s approach—pressuring temples to cancel events due to violent threats—undermines the religious freedoms of Hindu Canadians and fuels distrust.”
In a separate statement, the Hindu Community of Canada urged all levels of government and law enforcement to take immediate action to restore peace and security. They also demanded clear answers on how authorities will address escalating threats and ensure the protection of their community.
