Protesters call for action against Hinduphobia and religious intolerance in Canada
Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, on Monday evening to protest the increasing attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani extremists. The rally came a day after the temple itself was targeted in an act of violence during the Diwali weekend.
Organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the protest aimed to hold Canadian authorities accountable for not taking stronger action against the perpetrators and to demand an end to the support for Khalistani extremists. The rally called for an immediate crackdown on “Hinduphobia” and urged politicians and law enforcement to prevent further violence against the Hindu community.
CoHNA shared details of the protest on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Over a thousand Canadian Hindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu temples. Yesterday, during the sacred Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples, coast to coast, came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this Hinduphobia now.”
Over a thousand #CanadianHindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu Temples.
Yesterday, during the sacred #Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples, coast to coast, came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this #Hinduphobia now!… pic.twitter.com/mBu7VovofT
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) November 5, 2024
The attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple on Sunday was part of a series of violent incidents targeting Hindu places of worship in Canada. In a statement, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit advocacy group for the Hindu community, condemned the violence, releasing a video showing Khalistani extremists allegedly assaulting women and children during the attack.
In response to the escalating violence, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “deliberate attack” on the temple. Modi expressed outrage over the attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats in Canada, calling the attacks “cowardly” and reaffirming India’s commitment to justice. “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 will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Modi wrote on X.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the violence, urging the Canadian government to take strong action. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, “We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada.”
The Indian High Commission in Canada echoed similar concerns, condemning the “violent disruption” by anti-India elements outside an Indian consular camp in Brampton. The High Commission made it clear that any future consular events would depend on security arrangements made by local authorities.
The situation in Canada has raised alarms about a growing trend of religious intolerance and extremism. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Templer, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious freedom in Canada. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau said, adding that the Peel Regional Police had acted swiftly to protect the community and investigate the incident.
In connection with the attack, Peel Regional Police identified three suspects: Dilpreet Singh Bouns, 42, from Mississauga; Vikas, 23, from Brampton; and Amritpal Singh, 31, also from Mississauga. A fourth individual was arrested on an unrelated warrant. Additionally, an off-duty Peel police officer was filmed participating in a pro-Khalistani demonstration. The officer has been suspended pending an investigation.
The protests in Brampton reflect broader concerns within the Hindu community in Canada about the rise of Khalistani extremism and the perceived failure of Canadian authorities to protect religious minorities from such threats.
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