A prominent Hindu temple in Canada has been defaced with anti-India graffiti in an apparent hate crime by ‘Khalistani extremists’, with the Indian mission condemning the incident and urging Canadian authorities to act swiftly against the perpetrators. The latest incident took place on February 13 at a Ram temple in Mississauga. However, the time of the incident is not known.
Consulate of India in Toronto tweeted on Tuesday, “We strongly condemn the defacement of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We request Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take swift action against the perpetrators.” Is.”
“Shri Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Ontario Canada was vandalized overnight (February 13). We at Ram Mandir are deeply disturbed by this incident and we are working with the appropriate law enforcement authority on the matter,” said the Facebook page of the temple. Said.
Pro-Khalistani slogans and anti-India graffiti have been painted on the walls of the temple. This is not the first time that a Hindu temple in Canada has been defaced with anti-India graffiti.
In January, a Hindu temple in Brampton Canada was defaced with hate messages directed towards India, sparking outrage in the Indian community.
In September, the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Toronto was defaced by “Canadian Khalistani extremists”.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven faith dedicated to improving society through personal growth by promoting Hindu ideals of faith, unity and selfless service.
Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing its concern in strong language condemning the rise in hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada.
Statistics Canada reports a 72 per cent increase in hate crimes based on religion, sexual orientation and race between 2019 and 2021.
This has raised fears among minority communities, especially the Indian community, which is the fastest growing demographic group in Canada, accounting for about four per cent of the population.