Brampton Triveni temple postpones life certificate ceremony due to threats of violence

Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): Amid heightened fears of "extremely high levels of violent protests," the Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre has called off a Life Certificate Event that was scheduled for November 17, 2024. The event, organized by the Indian Consulate, was intended to assist Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs in renewing their essential life certificates.

In a statement issued on Monday, the temple administration announced, "We regret to inform you that the Life Certificate Event planned at Brampton Triveni Mandir on November 17, 2024, has been canceled. This decision follows official intelligence from Peel Regional Police, warning of a significant and imminent threat of violent protests." The statement went on to apologize to community members who were counting on the event, saying, "We deeply regret the cancellation and are saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe attending Hindu temples in Canada." The temple further urged Peel Police to take action against the threats and ensure the safety of both the Canadian Hindu community and the general public. "We call on the police to address the growing threats against the Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide the necessary security assurances," the statement added.

The Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre is a place for spiritual gatherings, where Hindus and like-minded individuals participate in activities such as Puja, Kirtan, Sewa, and Pravachan. Earlier this month, on November 3, another Indian consular camp at the nearby Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton was disrupted by violence, prompting widespread condemnation both in Canada and internationally. In response to this incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the "deliberate attack" on the Hindu temple, describing the efforts to intimidate Indian diplomats as "cowardly." He called on the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, emphasizing that such acts of violence would not weaken India's resolve.

Tensions between India and Canada have escalated recently, especially after Canadian officials made unsubstantiated allegations regarding an assassination on Canadian soil, further straining diplomatic relations between the two countries.