Members of the OkanaganB次元官网网址檚 Hindu community are being vigilant following a violent clash at a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont.
Three people were charged. Posts on social media showed demonstrators holding banners in support of a separate Sikh country, while others were holding IndiaB次元官网网址檚 national flag.
This incident occurred during Diwali, an important festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs.
Ashok Mohan, president of the leadership team of the Okanagan Hindu Temple in Summerland and one of the founding members, said the incident in Brampton came as a shock to the Hindu community in the South Okanagan.
B次元官网网址淚f that can happen there, it can happen anywhere in Canada,B次元官网网址 he said. B次元官网网址淚t goes beyond Brampton.B次元官网网址
The temple has installed security cameras inside and outside of its building.
However, Mohan said the Okanagan does not have tensions between Hindus and Sikhs. Instead, the two faiths have a close relationship in the region, a relationship he says is like brothers.
Sikhs helped Hindus when the Hindu Temple in Summerland was created 31 years ago, and Hindus have helped Sikhs with the creation of their temple. Members of both faiths will attend events at each otherB次元官网网址檚 temples.
Mohan believes those responsible for the clash in Brampton are not part of the community. B次元官网网址淭hey come in the dark and they leave in the dark,B次元官网网址 he said.
Hate and violence are denounced by Hindus and Sikhs in the region, Mohan said.