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Peel police are investigating incident during protest at Hindu temple in Brampton
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Peel police are investigating incident during protest at Hindu temple in Brampton

Peel Regional Police said they are investigating the incident, which occurred during a demonstration at a Hindu temple in Brampton.

In a statement posted on social media Sunday afternoon, police said they were aware of the protest taking place in the northeastern end of the city.

“While we respect individual protest rights in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, we continue to have a duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure the safety of everyone,” the statement said.

“We therefore seek the cooperation of the public to participate in and facilitate a peaceful and lawful protest.”

Peel police said they would have a larger and more visible presence to monitor the situation and warned that acts of violence, threats of violence or vandalism would be investigated.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show an altercation at the front entrance of the Hindu Sabha Mandir, involving protesters waving Khalistan flags.

Police told CP24 no arrests have been made.

Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah also released a statement on social media saying violence and criminal activity will not be tolerated.

“We respect the right to protest peacefully and safely, but we will not tolerate violence and criminal activity, and those who engage in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged,” the chief wrote.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown wrote in a post on social media that he was disappointed to hear about the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe where they worship. “I strongly condemn any act of violence outside a place of worship,” Brown wrote, adding that he has full confidence that Peel police will “do everything within their authority to maintain the peace and hold accountable those who commit acts of violence.”

The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions between the Canadian and Indian governments. Ottawa has accused India’s home minister of being behind the targeting of Sikh separatists in the country.

The Indian government vehemently denied the accusation.