CoHNA’s statement on Peel Police’s failure to protect the civil rights of Canadian Hindus

November 11, 2024: It is a sad day for Canada when its police and institutions seem to cave in to extremist threats of violence. It is deeply concerning that Peel Regional Police (PRP) now appears to be placing undue pressure on the Hindu community rather than addressing the actions of those who incited violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3, 2024. This constitutes a violation of the civil rights of Hindu Canadians, who have the right to religious freedom and security without undue pressure from law enforcement.

Today, Brampton’s Triveni Mandir had to cancel a consular camp that was to be held on its premises on November 17, following PRP’s advice, citing an “extremely high and imminent threat level of violent protests.” According to Hindu community leaders, PRP is reportedly pressuring other temples to follow suit and cancel similar events. Such measures not only compromise the constitutional rights of Canadian Hindus but also send a message that their safety is conditional, thus deepening the divide and mistrust between the community and those sworn to protect them.

It appears that the PRP is neglecting to perform its basic duty, which is to ensure peace and security for all residents, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background. Even more troubling, PRP has reportedly proposed charging between CAD 50,000 and CAD 100,000 to provide police protection—a financial burden that is both shocking and unjust. The Hindu community, like all Canadians, pays taxes, and to effectively put a price on their safety undermines the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the right to religious expression without fear of violence or harassment.

PRP’s actions risk appearing as an endorsement of the partisan Khalistani agenda, raising concerns about the impartiality of local law enforcement and increasing fears within the Hindu community about their safety. Just last week, an off-duty PRP officer was suspended for participating in the violent pro-Khalistan demonstration at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3. At the same demonstration, another PRP officer was seen assaulting Hindu counter-protesters who had been attacked by Khalistani agitators.

The stance of PRP is a direct attack on a temple’s ability to serve its community members. Even more fundamentally it shows that police is allowing violent outsiders to dictate how private property owners manage and use their own space. We urge Peel Regional Police and local authorities to do better by its minorities and demand that the Hindu community’s rights be upheld without discrimination or financial penalties. PRP must ensure that Hindu temples are safe spaces for worship and community activities and take decisive action against those who instigate violence. 

Sincerely,

CoHNA Canada Board