Thousands of Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on Monday evening, rallying in solidarity after the temple was targeted by pro-Khalistanis just a day earlier. The march, organised by the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA), drew widespread attention and highlighted concerns over increasing incidents of anti-Hindu sentiment across Canada.
“Over a thousand Canadian Hindus have gathered in Brampton to protest against the increasingly brazen attacks on Hindu temples,” the Hindu advocacy group tweeted. “Yesterday, during the sacred Diwali weekend, Canadian Hindu temples from coast to coast came under attack. We ask Canada to stop this Hinduphobia now.”
The participants waved the flags of Canada and India, along with banners bearing the phrase “Jai Shri Ram” and many chanted slogans against the pro-Khalistan movement. Some attendees expressed frustration over what they described as long-standing discrimination against Hindus in Canada, with one participant remarking that such bias has persisted for over two decades.
“Hindu Canadians are very loyal to Canada. What is happening to Hindu Canadians is not right,” one protester told a news agency. “The time has come for all politicians to know that what is happening to Hindu Canadians is wrong. We want Canada to treat Hindus well. We want India-Canada relations to strengthen.”
Another attendee underscored that the march was “to protest what happened to us” and called attention to alleged mistreatment by the police. “We have been consistently discriminated against. We have gathered here to show how we were treated yesterday. Despite that, all Hindus have gathered and protested here peacefully.”
The incident on Sunday saw people carrying Khalistani flags clashing with worshippers at the Hindu Sabha temple, with unverified videos circulating on social media showing protesters holding pro-Khalistan banners and flags. Peel Regional Police reported that three individuals had been arrested on charges including assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer in relation to the altercation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, urging Canada to ensure justice and uphold 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,” he tweeted. “Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the attack, stating that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. However, Trudeau faced criticism from some quarters for not specifically condemning “Khalistani extremism.”
The recent incident has further strained India-Canada relations, which have been on a downward trajectory since September 2023. Tensions escalated when Trudeau claimed that Canadian security agencies had credible evidence suggesting Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom New Delhi has designated a terrorist. Canada’s reluctance to take action against Nijjar or limit other pro-Khalistan activities, such as Khalistan referendums, has fuelled tensions.
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