In a troubling incident in Edmonton, Canada, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalized with hateful graffiti targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya. This act of vandalism is part of a worrying trend of increasing Hinduphobia in Canada.
MP Chandra Arya took to social media platform X to report the incident, expressing deep concern over the rising anti-Hindu activities in Canada. Arya highlighted that Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other regions have faced similar attacks in recent years.
He recalled past incidents involving Sikh-separatists, who have openly incited violence against Hindus and celebrated the assassination of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Arya condemned the ease with which Sikh-extremists propagate hate and violence, stating, “Hindu-Canadians are legitimately concerned.” He urged Canadian law enforcement to take serious action against these growing threats before they escalate into physical attacks against the Hindu community.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Hindu organizations both in Canada and globally. The Vishva Hindu Parishad-Canada (VHP) denounced the vandalism and called on all levels of the Canadian government to act decisively against the extremist ideologies fueling such hate crimes.
VHP Canada stated, “We urge all levels of Government in Canada to act decisively against the growing extremist ideology propelling hate against the peace-loving Hindu community in our country.”
Similarly, the Hindu American Association expressed outrage over the incident, noting the pattern of attacks linked to pro-sikh-separatist activists. They urged Canadian authorities to investigate the vandalism thoroughly and remain vigilant as the upcoming “Khalistan referendum” in Calgary poses potential risks for further strife in the region.
This latest act of vandalism underscores the urgent need for Canadian authorities to address and counter the growing tide of Hinduphobia, ensuring the safety and security of Hindu-Canadians and their places of worship.
Comments