Malton/Brampton: The World Sikh Parliament has condemned assault on Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Melton, Brampton, Ontario. The statement reads as follows, in verbatim, –
November 3, 2024
World Sikh Parliament Decries Assault on Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Malton, Brampton, Ontario
Malton, Brampton, Ontario – The World Sikh Parliament is deeply disturbed by the violent assault on the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Malton, Brampton, on November 3, 2024. A group of pro-India protestors, masked and armed, attempted to breach the Gurdwara premises, causing immense distress among worshippers and disrupting the sanctity of this sacred space. Peel Regional Police responded swiftly to the incident, yet their intervention was met with fierce resistance, leading to injuries among officers.
The World Sikh Parliament condemns this violent act in the strongest terms. Such aggression towards a religious community is an affront to Canada’s core values of freedom and respect for diversity. The right to peaceful assembly and religious freedom, enshrined in Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, has been trampled upon by this attack. We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community of Malton and call on the Canadian government to protect religious institutions from further harm.
Equally concerning are reports that members of this group have been seen in Hindu temples across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), disguised in fake turbans to stir misconceptions about the Sikh community. Such intentional misrepresentation seeks to mislead the public, sow division, and tarnish the reputation of Sikhs. These deceitful actions not only harm community relations but actively foster mistrust and conflict among Canada’s diverse communities. The World Sikh Parliament urges Canadian authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this incident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. It is vital that Canadian law enforcement agencies uphold their commitment to preventing violence and maintaining the safety of all communities, particularly in places of worship. This attack serves as a sobering reminder that targeted, hate-fueled actions against religious minorities are an issue of national concern, and we urge Canadian leaders to address this threat with urgency.
The actions of the pro-India protestors, including illegal road blockages, property damage, and harassment of both the public and law enforcement officers, clearly breach Canadian law. Such behaviors are not protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are instead acts of criminal mischief, obstruction, and harassment.
Additionally, video footage revealing incitement to violence against the Sikh community underscores the need for criminal investigation and accountability. Under Canadian law, hate speech and calls for violence are punishable offenses and must be treated as such.
In conclusion, the World Sikh Parliament calls upon the Canadian government to act swiftly and decisively to protect Sikh communities and prevent further violence and harassment. This attack is a reminder that Canada’s commitment to tolerance, justice, and respect for diversity requires active vigilance and strong measures against hate-driven behavior. The World Sikh Parliament reaffirms its support for the Sikh community in Malton and across Canada, standing united for peace, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights for all.
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