Toronto: Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton, Canada was defaced with anti-India graffiti. The Indian Consulate General in Toronto condemned the act of vandalism and said it has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community.
The incident happened at a prominent temple which is a symbol of Indian heritage. Hate-filled messages were used in the graffiti. Canadian authorities are investigating the incident. However, it is not an isolated incident. At least three similar acts have been recorded since July 2022.
"The hateful act of vandalism has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada. We have raised our concerns on the matter with Canadian authorities," the consulate office said in a statement on Tuesday. Indians are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada and account for almost 4% of the population.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said he has raised concerns with Peel Regional Police. He tweeted that such a hateful act has no place in the country and everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of worship. According to Times Now, pro-Khalistani groups and banned terror organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFI) could be behind the anti-India graffiti as the words hinted at such sentiments.
In September 2022, the Indian Foreign Ministry in an official statement said that there has been a "sharp increase" in hate crimes against Indians and other "anti-India activities" in Canada. Between 2019 and 2021, there has been a 72% increase in hate crimes targeting religion, sexual orientation, and race causing fear among minorities. New Delhi also urged the government to properly investigate these crimes.
Canada last year reported a growth in pro-Khalistani elements and the Khalistan referendum was organised by US-based Sikh for Justice (SFJ) in Brampton in September 2022. A five-kilometre-long car rally was held before the event and it saw the participation of over 2,000 cars. Such voting has earlier been organised in the UK, Switzerland, and Italy.