Deeply concerning: EAM on Brampton temple attack; slams Canada for surveillance of diplomats

Canberra, Nov 5 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, calling it "deeply concerning" during a press conference with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at Parliament House, Canberra. "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning. And, you would have seen the statement first by the official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by the Prime Minister yesterday. So, that should, I think, convey to you how deeply we feel about it," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar also condemned Canada's surveillance of Indian diplomats, slamming what he described as Canada's "pattern of making allegations without providing specifics."

"When we look at Canada for us, the fact that they're putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable," he remarked.

Referencing the videos of the temple attack, Jaishankar said, "Do look at the video, and I think it would tell you, in a way, the political space today, which is being given to extremist forces there (Canada), that so we believe in freedoms. We also believe freedom should not be misused."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Jaishankar's condemnation of the attacks on the Hindu temples, expressing solidarity with the Indian community.