**Heightened Tensions in Brampton: Police Intervene Amid Protests Following Temple Attack**

Brampton remains on edge as tensions persist following a violent clash between Khalistani supporters and Hindu worshippers at the Hindu Mahasabha Temple on Sunday. Peel Police deployed riot prevention teams overnight to manage a crowd from the Hindu community that gathered to protest the attack. The assembly was labeled "unlawful" by authorities after reports surfaced of weapons being seen among the demonstrators.

Despite no arrests being made so far, the police are meticulously reviewing social media footage and collected videos, with potential charges for disorderly conduct on the horizon. Enhanced security measures have also been implemented around various places of worship in Brampton and nearby areas.

Initially peaceful, the protest saw a surge in tension around Malton Gurdwara late at night, where a group began raising slogans. The Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Malton management alleged in a press release that a large mob with anti-Sikh and pro-India sentiments attempted to swarm their gurdwara with aggressive intentions. However, Hindu leaders refuted these claims, maintaining that their demonstration was peaceful and concluded without any incidents.

Thousands attended the demonstration in Brampton, waving Indian and saffron flags and chanting slogans against Khalistan extremism and the Trudeau government for allegedly neglecting the Hindu community's concerns. Videos showing large crowds and road closures quickly went viral on social media, with traffic disruptions as a result. One video by a user named @truckdriverpleb on X showed attempts to stop vehicles, gathering over 55,000 views. Another video by journalist Jagdeep Singh, @NyJagdeepsingh, captured organizers rallying pro-India protesters to march, which was received with loud cheers.

Jeff Lal, a Conservative nomination candidate for Brampton East, emphasized that the protest was organized by the Hindu community and not temple management. Lal, who also runs the Bharat Mata Mandir, described the gathering as peaceful and supportive of worshippers affected by Sunday’s attack. He reported that approximately 10,000 people participated, beginning around 6 pm with a brief march to the Ebenezer/Gore Road intersection before returning.

Condemning the temple attack as "totally unacceptable," Lal called for a ban on protests near places of worship to protect their sanctity. He has written to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to push for a bylaw that would restrict demonstrations at religious sites. Lal also criticized political figures for causing divisions, asserting that Hindus and Sikhs are not naturally divided but rather misled by politicians seeking personal gain.

Lal singled out Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, accusing him of furthering his own agenda from abroad and challenging him to address concerns on Canadian soil. Lal expressed frustration that political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have not adequately addressed the actions of Pannun and other Khalistani sympathizers.

The situation, while currently calm, underscores the need for Canadian lawmakers and community leaders to urgently address these divisions through dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Canada’s values of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity.