Peel police say three folks have been arrested and an officer was injured following a number of protests in Mississauga and Brampton Sunday afternoon, together with one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.
In a information launch printed Monday, police mentioned officers have been referred to as to an unnamed place of worship close to The Gore Street in Brampton in response to a “trespassing complaint by a group of protestors.”
Police mentioned the protesters then moved to 2 different areas in Mississauga, together with one within the space of Goreway and Etude drives and one other close to Airport and Drew roads.
“Although these demonstrations occurred at three different locations, they appear to be related to one another. Several incidents between protestors and worshippers broke out,” police mentioned in an announcement, including that one officer sustained minor accidents throughout one of many incidents.
Movies circulating on-line appeared to indicate folks combating exterior the Hindu Sabha Mandir, which is positioned simply off of The Gore Street, throughout a protest within the space the place Khalistan flags, consultant of the push for Sikh independence inside India, have been seen.
Peel police have mentioned that they anticipated extra protests on Monday and that they are going to be “deploying additional personnel in order to maintain order and ensure the safety of our community.”
“Peel Regional Police will proceed to help and work with our group companions and stakeholders to make sure a peaceable and protected house for the deliberate demonstrations,” Const. Richard Chin mentioned in a video posted to social media.
Suspects recognized
Police recognized the suspects arrested on Sunday as 42-year-old Mississauga resident Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 23-year-old Brampton resident — recognized solely as Vikas — and a 31-year-old man from Mississauga named Amritpal Singh. A fourth particular person, who was not recognized, was arrested on an excellent unrelated warrant and launched.
Police mentioned an off-duty Peel police officer was additionally seen in a video circulating on-line collaborating in one of many demonstrations. The unnamed officer has been suspended, pending an investigation.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media which shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” an announcement offered by Peel police on Monday states. “We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until such time that this investigation is complete.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Indian counterpart have each issued statements in regards to the incident, with the previous saying the “acts of violence” have been “unacceptable.”
“Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” Trudeau wrote.
For Narendra Modi’s half, he referred to as the incident at Hindu Sabha Mandir a “deliberate attack.”
“Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” he mentioned.
In an announcement issued on Monday afternoon, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish mentioned that she is “deeply disappointed” by the acts of violence.
“Our community prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates our diverse population. Hatred in any form is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate any actions that limit our residents’ ability to live free from discrimination,” she mentioned. “Free speech is a fundamental right we cherish as Canadians, but hate speech and harassment will not be tolerated in Mississauga or anywhere else.”
In keeping with the group Sikhs for Justice, Khalistan supporters have been protesting the presence of Indian officers who have been visiting the temple and offering consular companies.
The incident marks one other low level between the 2 nations. Final month, Ottawa accused India’s house minister Amit Shah of focusing on Sikh activists, which the Indian authorities has rejected. Beforehand, Trudeau mentioned there have been “credible allegations” that the Indian authorities was linked to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia final yr.
With recordsdata from Bryann Aguilar
