Last update:05 November 2024, 10:06 am IST

A Hindu organization has highlighted multiple attacks on Hindu temples across Canada over the Diwali weekend and called for an end to “Hinduphobia” in the country.

A massive crowd gathers outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, to protest. (Screenshot/ANI)

Several Canadian Hindus gathered and staged a protest rally in front of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on Monday evening, a day after Khalistani extremists attacked the temple. Hindu Canadians have urged Canadian politicians and law enforcement not to further support the Khalistanis.

One of the protesters, Rishabh, said the Hindu community was “deeply hurt”.

“We came here to support the Hindu community. The Hindu community has contributed so much to Canada and we are progressive, we add so much economic value, we respect law and order wherever we go – whether in Canada or elsewhere. It’s shocking to see the reaction of the politicians, the police, the way they treated us. We came here in support.”

He added: “All we ask is for justice to be done. The law must be respected and perpetrators must be judged within the rule of law. »

Another protester said: “We are gathered here today in anguish to protest what happened to us yesterday. This has been happening to us for about 20 years. We were constantly discriminated against. We are gathered here to show how we were discriminated against by the police yesterday. Despite this, all Hindus gathered and demonstrated here peacefully. »

Canadian journalist leads Hindu protests

Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman led the Hindu community in singing the Canadian national anthem in front of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) shared the details on social media platform X.

CoHNA highlighted multiple attacks on Hindu temples across Canada over the Diwali weekend and called for an end to “Hinduphobia” in the country.

“More than a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered in Brampton to protest increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu temples,” the post read.

“Yesterday, during the holy weekend of #Diwali, Canadian Hindu temples from coast to coast were attacked. We ask Canada to end this #Hinduphobia now!” he added.

On Sunday, an Indian consular camp located at the Hindu Sabha temple witnessed a “violent disturbance” in Brampton, near Toronto.

Following the attacks, the Canadian Hindu Foundation, a non-profit organization working for Canada’s Hindu community, shared a video of the temple attack and said Khalistan terrorists attacked children and women .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” and said the “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Indian diplomats were appalling and that New Delhi expected Canadian authorities to ensure justice and enforce the rule of law.

“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.

Prime Minister Modi’s strong statement came hours after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday condemned acts of violence by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Ontario.

“We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected against such attacks. We also hope that those who engage in acts of violence will be brought to justice. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media questions regarding the violence in Brampton.

“The efforts of our consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence,” he added.

India has repeatedly expressed its deep concern over extremism, culture of violence and anti-Indian activities in Canada and demanded action against such activities.

The Indian High Commission in Canada has condemned “violent disturbances” perpetrated by “anti-Indian” elements outside a consular camp. The high commission also said any other events would be organized “based on security arrangements” made by local authorities.

A series of similar incidents have been documented in recent years, highlighting a worrying trend of religious intolerance in Canada.