Temple in Surrey Vandalized With Pro-Khalistan Graffiti, Sparks Outrage Across Communities

National Times Bureau, April 21, 2025: In the early hours of April 19, 2025, a disturbing act of vandalism shook the community in Surrey, British Columbia. Around 3:00 AM, two unidentified individuals defaced the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir by spray-painting the word “Khalistan” on its entrance sign and temple pillars. The perpetrators also stole a security camera from the premises, adding to concerns about targeted attacks against places of worship.

This marks the third such attack on the temple, raising serious alarms among Hindu community members. The temple management expressed deep sorrow and strongly condemned the act, calling it a hate crime and a direct attack on a sacred space that serves as a spiritual and cultural sanctuary for families, including the elderly and children.

An FIR has been registered with Surrey Police, and authorities are now investigating the incident. The temple management is fully cooperating with law enforcement, though concerns have been raised over the removal of graffiti before police arrived, potentially affecting evidence collection.

The attack comes amid a wave of similar incidents across Canada. Just days before, the Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver was also vandalized with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti. Gurdwara officials attributed the act to a fringe group of Sikh separatists advocating for Khalistan and criticized the attempt to create division and fear within the community.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya responded to the Surrey temple vandalism, calling it a chilling reminder of rising Khalistani extremism in Canada. He urged the government to take strong action to address the growing threat. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce echoed the call for accountability, labeling the act as Hinduphobic and demanding swift justice.

Journalist Daniel Bordman, who has been closely monitoring Khalistani-linked extremism, also reported on the incident and expressed concerns over repeated attacks on the same temple, warning that inaction could embolden future acts of violence.

Community leaders, faith organizations, and civil rights advocates across Canada have since united in denouncing the attacks. They are calling on government officials at all levels to take decisive steps to protect religious institutions and ensure such hate crimes are not tolerated in a diverse and respectful society.