Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday (November 5, 2024) condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, saying it is unacceptable and such incidents are a direct assault on the values of peace, respect and unity.

Mr. Sawant also urged the Canadian government to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities within its borders.

The incident occurred on Sunday (November 3, 2024) in Canada’s Brampton city, where protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate.

The development comes as India-Canada ties remain deeply troubled over the North American country’s alleged support to Khalistani separatists and its accusation of India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who has been designated a terrorist by India.

Strongly condemn attack on Hindu temple in Canada: PM Modi

In the post on X, CM Sawant said, “The recent, targeted attack on the Hindu temple and its devotees is not only deeply concerning but also entirely unacceptable. Such incidents represent a direct assault on the values of peace, respect and unity that form the foundation of any civilised society. We call upon the Canadian government to take immediate, decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities within its borders,” he added.

Many Punjabis consider Canada as their second home: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack on the Hindu temple and urged the Centre to take up the issue with the Canadian government to prevent such incidents in the future.

“I strongly condemn the incident. I also demand from the Government of India to speak to the Canadian government over this issue in order to prevent such incidents in future,” Mr. Mann told reporters in Bathinda.

He said many Punjabis consider Canada as their second home and nobody wants such a violent incident to take place there.

People can come to Goa, relax and also work, underscored Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, adding that his government is starting the digital nomad concept.  

“Every village is digitally connected. Har Ghar Fiber is being completed in Panjim. We are starting “Work From Beach”. We are starting the digital nomad concept. Under this, people can come to Goa, relax, and also work,” said Mr Sawant at the NDTV Indian Of The Year event in Delhi.

“We have launched a homestay policy and are readying the infra. We want to create human resources. We are making hospitality institutes and skilling up the youth,” the Chief Minster said.

Mr Sawant, 50, said his government is also working on building spiritual tourism.

“We welcome people for spiritual tourism. We have started the samudra aarti at promenade at the Miramar beach. Goa in future will be known as Dakshin Kashi. There are many temples. Private investment is coming for yoga wellness centres in Goa,” said the Chief Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said India’s dream of “techade”, to describe the decade being dominated by technologies, will be fulfilled on the strength of its innovators.

“One of the good parts of startup India is we have set up incubators not limited to just IITs. The way the startup ecosystem has evolved, the focus has been on solving real problems… PM’s focus was on democraticising tech. Tech should be openly accessible,” he added further.

Panaji:

One person was killed and 13 others were seriously injured after a truck fell into a valley in Goa, police said on Sunday, as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who was passing by the spot rushed to help the victims.

The accident took place near Quepem town in South Goa district on Saturday night.

Mr Sawant and state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai, who were passing by the spot after participating in poll campaign, got down from their cars to help the victims.

Mr Sawant, who is an Ayurvedic doctor, checked the pulse of the victims, while Phal Desai got down into the valley and helped in pulling out the victims from the accident-hit vehicle.

#WATCH | South Goa: Goa CM Pramod Sawant stops his convoy to help rescue accident victims on the Canacona Highway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/nxXZyx0n9M

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024

A senior police official said the victims were sitting on the truck’s carrier.

The driver lost control over the wheels following which the truck turned turtle and fell into the valley, he said, adding the victims got trapped inside the vehicle.

One person died on the spot while 13 others, including five children, as many men and three women, were seriously injured, he said.

Mr Sawant and minister Phal Desai joined the rescue work along with the police, fire and emergency services personnel and locals.

The injured persons were taken out of the truck and Phal Desai accompanied them while they were being shifted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital near Panaji in ambulance and police vehicles, the official said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)