Weapons seen at protest at Brampton Hindu temple one day after violent clashes: police

Peel police have declared an unlawful assembly as hundreds of people gathered outside a Hindu temple in Brampton the day after a chaotic and violent scene erupted when Indian consular officials visited.

On Monday night, hundreds of people gathered in the temple’s parking lot and were spotted waving Indian flags. They began to walk on the street, temporarily blocking traffic in both directions.

Hours later, police shared on social media that weapons had been observed during the demonstration, and it had been deemed an unlawful assembly, saying crowds had been ordered to disperse or face arrest.

The Gore Road was blocked with intermittent road closures on intersecting roads.

Three people were arrested on Sunday, and a police officer was suspended as the clashes captured on video showed demonstrators holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country called Khalistan clashing with others, including some holding India’s national flag.

The videos appear to show fist fights and people striking each other with poles in what seems to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple near The Gore Road.

The group Sikhs for Justice said Khalistan supporters had been protesting the presence of Indian consulate officials who were undertaking an announced visit to provide administrative services, such as helping seniors access pensions.

The clashes came as Hindus celebrate the Diwali holiday amid mounting tensions between Canada and India.

Last month, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations they used their positions to collect information on Canadians in the pro-Khalistan independence movement and then passed the details on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly.

India has long accused Canada of harbouring pro-Khalistan terrorists that New Delhi has asked Ottawa to extradite, though Canadian officials say those requests often lack adequate proof.