Hindu Community Protests in Canada After Khalistani Attack on Brampton Temple: Rising Tensions Spark Outrage
3 min read
In Canada, a recent incident has raised significant concerns among the Hindu community. On November 3, supporters of the Khalistani movement allegedly vandalized the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, sparking outrage across Canada’s Hindu diaspora. This act of vandalism, which reportedly involved anti-Hindu graffiti and slogans promoting Khalistan, came during Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture. The timing of the attack has heightened community tensions, as multiple Hindu temples across Canada have been targeted over the past few months.
Following the attack, thousands of Hindu Canadians gathered in Brampton to protest, calling for government intervention and more stringent measures against hate crimes. Demonstrators, carrying Indian flags and chanting slogans, demanded justice and greater protection for their community. Their message was clear: they wanted assurance that Hindu temples and institutions across Canada could operate safely without fear of such aggression.
The protest saw a mix of emotions as people voiced their dismay with both the Khalistani supporters and the Canadian government. Many protesters expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of action by Canadian authorities, especially as these incidents have reportedly increased in recent years. The protest, organized by local Hindu leaders, remained peaceful overall but demonstrated the frustration of a community feeling overlooked and vulnerable. By the end of the gathering, Peel Regional Police declared the protest an “unlawful assembly” due to concerns about public safety and urged participants to disperse, threatening arrests if they did not comply.
Social media platforms were quickly filled with videos and images of the protest, including scenes of people chanting against Khalistani extremism. While many in the crowd were simply seeking justice and a voice, some individuals allegedly shouted provocative slogans aimed at the Sikh community, heightening concerns about deepening divisions within Canada’s multicultural landscape. Political figures and community leaders have since urged for calm and for solidarity across religious groups to prevent further escalation.
This incident has drawn attention not only from the Hindu community but also from Indian political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling on the Canadian government to protect Indian-origin citizens and hold those responsible accountable. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also issued statements calling for a prompt investigation and a commitment from Canada to protect places of worship. The ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding Indian diplomats and communities in Canada, noting that any attempts at intimidation or harm to them would not weaken India’s resolve in protecting its diaspora.
The protest at Brampton reflects growing concerns among Canadian Hindus about the influence of pro-Khalistan extremism within Canada. Many see the attacks on temples as part of a larger pattern of religious intolerance linked to calls for a separate Sikh state, which has created friction within the Indian community abroad. Leaders of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) have issued statements highlighting the increased frequency of hate crimes against Hindus and calling on the Canadian government to act decisively against what they describe as “Hinduphobia” in the country.
This situation has further strained India-Canada relations, which have been challenged in recent months over diplomatic and security issues. Both countries have historically shared strong cultural and trade ties, but the recent surge in pro-Khalistan activism in Canada has been a point of contention. The Canadian government, while committed to multiculturalism, is now under pressure to balance these ideals with the need to address religious hate crimes and protect all communities within the country.
Brampton’s incident is part of a larger issue that affects Hindu communities worldwide, and many hope that Canada’s response will set a precedent for other countries facing similar issues. Community leaders continue to urge a peaceful resolution and for Canada’s government to uphold its commitments to safety and security for all its residents. In the meantime, Hindu organizations, such as the Hindu Canadian Foundation, have pledged to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of Hindu spaces.
