Written by 
Article content
Three people were arrested after violence broke out Sunday between groups of protesters at a Surrey temple.
Surrey RCMP officers were called to the disturbance outside the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in the 8300-block of 140th Street.
Around 2:30 p.m., officers were set to keep the peace in the midst of hundreds of protesters during a visit by Indian consular officials to the temple. The consular officials visit temples periodically to help people with things such as their Indian pensions.
Article content
A large group representing the Sikh nationalist movement showed up to protest and there was violence between the groups. Though three arrests were made, no one was injured.
The group dispersed less than an hour after the arrests.
Surrey RCMP Sgt. Tammy Lobb said the suspects were released as the investigation continues.
Lobb said the officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP, assistant commissioner Brian Edwards, is meeting with local temple leaders to talk about their concerns and ease tensions.
A similar protest at a temple in Brampton, Ont., on Sunday led to a violent confrontation between protesting Sikhs and Hindus.
On social media, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the Ontario attack. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely,” said Trudeau on X.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he expects Canadian police to act. “I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada,” he said on X.
“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.”
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network