Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of dividing the Indian diaspora for his “dirty politics.” Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday.

The BJP and its government have always taken “tough steps” whenever it comes to the persecution of Hindus or infringement of their rights, the ruling party said here on Monday as India condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at a temple in Canada.

Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple on Sunday, prompting the High Commission of India in Ottawa to issue a strong statement condemning the attack by the “anti-India” elements.

“We have seen how strongly and clearly a firm reply has been given to Canada while displaying India’s strength,” BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said at a press conference at the party headquarters in Delhi when asked about the incident.

He said the BJP and its government take “tough steps” whenever it comes to persecution of Hindus or infringement of their rights.

 “I think taking cognisance of this case also, India will put forth its stand very firmly and take steps whatever is necessary,” he added.

Peel Regional Police said a protest occurred at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir, the report added.

Union minister Bittu in a social media post said, “Justin Trudeau has successfully divided the Indian Diaspora in Canada for his dirty politics. Sikhs and Hindus live together in harmony in India but they are being pitched against each other in Canada. I highly condemn the attack on the temple or any religious place of worship by Trudeau’s khalistani elements.”

In a video message, Bittu said, “The news which is appearing in the past few days, (that) the situation that has developed in Canada, it is not about one particular religion. Be it Hindu or Sikh, Justin Trudeau has divided in such a way there.”

He alleged that the Canadian police were standing in support of the Khalistani elements.

“Temples were being attacked. And nobody is ready to stop them. How they were chanting slogans and openly speaking about Khalistan. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

“These are some people (Khalistani elements) whom you are using. They are on your payroll,” Bittu said.

“After this incident, no image of your country (Canada) and your PM (Trudeau) has left,” he further said.

After the incident in Canada, the High Commission of India in Ottawa issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple by “anti-India” elements.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad(VHP)on Monday said the “attack” on a Hindu temple in Canada was a cause of concern and alleged that the Indian consulate’s prior request to the Canadian administration for providing security was “intentionally” ignored.

Reacting to the incident, VHP international president Alok Kumar said the attack was a cause of concern, more so because a consular camp had been organised by the Indian consulate at the temple.

 The Indian consulate had informed the police about the event three days ago and had specifically said that in view of the security environment in Canada, adequate protection was required for the camp and the temple, he said.