ONTARIO’S Peel Regional Police are investigating the violent clash on Sunday at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir involving Hindus and Sikhs with each side blaming the other for the assaults.

Peel Regional Police said late on Sunday that “as result of these demonstrations, three people have been arrested and criminally charged for their actions.” They said that “several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated.”

Police said that they were present at a demonstration held at a place of worship in Brampton. The event was subsequently relocated to two different places within the city of Mississauga.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are 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.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown tweeted: “I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha in #Brampton. Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship. I have full confidence @ChiefNish and the professionals at the @PeelPolice will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence. Those found guilty should be punished to the greatest extent of the law.”

Later, Brown tweeted: “I will be bringing a motion to our #Brampton City Council which would look at prohibiting protests at places of worship. Places of worship should [be] safe spaces that are free of violence and intimidation. I have asked our City solicitor to look into the legality of such a by-law for our next scheduled meeting of City Council.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted: “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted: “Every Canadian must be free to visit their place of worship in peace. I unequivocally condemn the acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Violence anywhere is wrong. I join community leaders in calling for peace.”

Some were posting only certain parts of videos to justify their accusations against the other side. One video showed a group shouting slogans praising notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who is accused of directing murderous attacks against Canadians here.

(Check out the videos and links to videos below).

MEANWHILE, the Indian High Commission in a press release titled, “Violent disruption outside consular camp in Brampton, Ontario,” said that as in previous years, the high commission and the consulates general in Toronto and Vancouver organized consular camps for the benefit and ease of life certificate beneficiaries, both Canadian and Indian.

It said: “On account of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events which constitute routine consular work.”

It added: “We have seen violent disruption today (Nov. 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp organized by the Hindu Sabha Brampton.”

The press release stated: “It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by a consulate with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place.”

It added: “Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1,000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants.”

It said: “There were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.

“In light of these incidents and the continued threats posed to the Indian diplomats and officials, local venue organizers as well as local attendees, organization of further scheduled consular camps will be contingent on security arrangements made for them by local authorities.”

It added that in case it is not feasible to hold any camp because of such disruption, “alternative arrangements will be made to render those services, which may unfortunately inconvenience local users of these services.”