Canada: Anti-India slogans were written on the walls after some anti-social elements sabotaged the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto, Canada. Since the incident, there has been outrage among the Hindu community there and strict action has been demanded from the government. The Indian High Commission in Canada has condemned the vandalism of the Swaminarayan Temple and requested the Canadian authorities to investigate the incident. Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya said this is not an isolated incident. There have been attempts to damage other temples before this as well.
The High Commission condemned the incident
In its tweet, the High Commission said, ‘We condemn the anti-India activities at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto. The Canadian administration should investigate the matter and take strict action against the culprits. Canadian MP Chandra Arya said Hindu Canadians are concerned about hate crimes against Hindu temples. He said in a tweet, ‘Everyone should condemn the barbarity of Khalistan extremists at Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto. This is not the only incident. Hindu temples in Canada have been victims of hate crimes in the past. Hindus are disturbed by such incidents.
Video viral on social media
Many videos are going viral on social media, in which pro-Khalistan slogans have been written on the walls of the temple. Canadian MP Ruby Sahota said, ‘The slogans at the Swaminarayan Temple in Etobicoke are offensive and disgusting. All religions have the right to practice without fear or intimidation in Canada. Criminals should be punished for this act.
Brampton’s mayor expressed outrage
Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu said in a tweet, “Shocked by the vandalism at the Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto. We live in a multicultural and multi-faith community where everyone deserves to feel safe. Those who are responsible for this, who are responsible for this incident, should be prepared to bear the loss.” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his outrage over such an attack. He tweeted that this kind of hatred has no place in Canada’s GTA. Let us hope that the culprits responsible are brought to justice at the earliest.