In response to escalating threats and attacks by Khalistani supporters on Sikhs and Hindus in Canada, Member of Parliament Chandra Arya took to social media, specifically X, to advocate for action against the perpetrators. Arya shared a video where a Khalistani supporter threatened to disrupt activities at the Laxmi Narayan temple in Surrey on November 26. Expressing concern over the incidents, Arya urged Canadian authorities to intervene, citing the misuse of freedom of speech as a guise for such actions.
Highlighting the targeted nature of these attacks, Arya pointed out that Hindu temples have been subjected to multiple assaults in recent years, constituting hate crimes against Hindu-Canadians. Emphasizing the unacceptability of such activities occurring openly, Arya reiterated his call for decisive action by Canadian authorities.
The situation is part of a broader trend, with reports indicating a surge in attacks on Hindu temples in Ontario since September. Adding to the complexity, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel for the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice, released a video in September urging Hindus in Canada to “Leave Canada – Go to India.” Pannun alleged that some individuals in the community were serving Indian interests while benefiting economically from Canada.
These developments coincide with India’s recent recommendation to Canada during the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) review meeting in Geneva. India urged Canada to strengthen its domestic framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression and take effective measures to prevent attacks on places of worship belonging to religious and racial minorities. KS Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India, emphasized the need to address hate crimes and hate speech through legislative measures.
