Diwali celebration turns into sectarian clash in Brampton
By Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
Diwali, a Hindu holiday also known as the Festival of Light, took a dark turn in Brampton on Sunday night as deep-rooted sectarian tensions between Sikhs and Hindus boiled over at a local plaza.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media captured the clashes, revealing participants from both communities hurling litter and trash at each other as fireworks went off in the background.
The footage showcased Sikhs waving flags associated with the Khalistan separatist movement before Peel Regional Police officers responded to the scene.
After receiving reports of a “disturbance” at the plaza shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, law enforcement has not indicated whether charges have been pressed.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the response, Mississauga City Coun. Carolyn Parrish criticized what she deemed an “extremely poor response” by Peel Regional Police and a “disgusting lack of preparedness.”
In a social media post, Parrish condemned the presence of a local community police station in the plaza as a “major disappointment,” asserting that it had failed to enhance the lives of Malton residents.