Toronto [Canada], December 1 (HBTV): The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in the Toronto area received an injunction order from a Canadian superior court to prevent Khalistani protesters from gathering within 100 meters of the premises, as per a statement by the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Hindu Cultural Society in Scarborough.

The society also thanked Toronto police for their support in facilitating the Indian Consular Camp held at the temple.

In a statement, the society said, ‘The Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario has issued an interlocutory injunction prohibiting all protest activities, including physically preventing, or interfering with access to within a 100-meter radius of the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Scarborough from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, November 30th, 2024. This order aims to ensure the safety and sanctity of the temple premises and individuals during the specified hours.’

The society appreciated the police for their effort and cooperation.

In a statement, the society said, ‘The Hindu Cultural Society Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Scarborough extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Toronto Police Service and 42 Division for their outstanding support in facilitating the Indian Consular Camp held at our temple. Your commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community during this important event was exemplary and greatly appreciated. By providing a secure and welcoming environment, you enabled countless community members to access vital consular services with peace of mind. We are truly thankful for your dedication and partnership, which contribute to fostering harmony and trust within our diverse community. Thank you for your service!’

The consulate organized the last consular camp of the season at Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Scarborough, where close to 250 life certificates were issued to the elderly. Though no more camps are scheduled for the season, certificates will continue to be issued at the consulate.

Ravi Andamuri, a member of the Hindu Forum in Canada, told ANI that earlier the police had not cooperated, but after the court order, things were more manageable.

‘There is no room for glorification and terrorism in Canada and it’s very important. Nobody can intimidate or incite violence and divide communities. Today we seek court protection because, unfortunately, the police were not protecting in the past. Now we are very happy that police are coordinating with us and they are helping us, and now the camp is going on very peacefully,’ he said.

Abhishek Tanwar, a member of the Indian diaspora in Canada, said that although the camp was mostly peaceful, it was saddening that a court order was needed for peace.

‘I am here today at Lakshmi Narayan temple because the Consulate Camp is going on and we are happy to see how the police and administration are helping us. The court has granted us a very nice order to help this program go smoothly, and we are thankful to the legal system of Canada and the administration of Ontario, the police, and everybody. But this is also one sad thing that today, if we are coming to our temple, we need police protection. This should not be happening in Canada. We love everybody. We want to stay connected and make a beautiful community in Canada,’ he said.

Avandeep Singh Chapa, another member of Indian origin, expressed gratitude to the Toronto police for their cooperation.

‘I’m standing in front of the Hindu temple. Everything is going smoothly under the protection of Toronto Police, and we are really thankful to them. As the program is going smoothly, everything is okay,’ he said.   

(ANI)