INDIA CONDEMNS ATTACK ON HINDU TEMPLE IN CANADA

"Punjab is a secular state and violence based on religion is not part of its culture. Even during the dark days of terrorism in the 1980s and 90s, there was no violence on religious grounds. Hindus and Sikhs in Punjab live together like family and have coexisted peacefully" Aman Arora, Cabinet minister, Punjab

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The "deliberate attack" on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. Political parties and religious organisations in India also demanded that the Canadian government take steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

The incident occurred in Brampton, where protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple on Sunday and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.

New Delhi said it remains "deeply concerned" about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada while Prime Minister Modi also flayed the "cowardly attempts" to intimidate Indian diplomats.

The development comes as India-Canada ties remain deeply troubled over the North American country's alleged support to Khalistani separatists and its accusation of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who has been designated a terrorist by India.