Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): In a powerful joint appeal, over 30 Hindu organizations across Canada have written an open letter to local law enforcement, urging them to ensure the safety of Hindu temples and their worshippers ahead of planned protests by Khalistani extremists. The protests are set to occur on April 5, 2026, outside the Triveni Mandir in Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey.
The letter, signed by various Hindu civic organizations and temple leaders, expresses grave concerns about the increasing violence and harassment surrounding these “so-called peaceful protests.” According to the letter, previous protests at Hindu temples have escalated into acts of intimidation and violence, with incidents including physical harm to children, women, and seniors. The groups raised serious concerns about the police’s handling of the protests, particularly following an incident in Brampton, where devotees and temple management were injured.
The open letter highlights three key demands:
- Safety for Hindu Canadians: The organizations stressed that Hindus must be able to worship in peace and without fear for their safety.
- Preserving the Sanctity of Temples: The letter emphasized that temples are sacred spaces for worship and reflection, not political battlegrounds. Protests should not turn religious sites into venues for intimidation or divisiveness.
- Upholding the Right to Worship: The letter calls for a commitment to ensuring that all Canadians can freely exercise their democratic right to worship without facing threats or harassment.
The Hindu groups are specifically calling on Peel Police and Surrey Police to step up their presence and security measures around the temples to prevent any acts of violence or intimidation. The organizations also urged law enforcement to hold those responsible for any disturbances accountable, stressing that the safety and security of all religious communities must be prioritized.
The open letter reflects growing frustration within Canada’s Hindu community, which has been increasingly concerned about the rise of extremism and the impact of such protests on community well-being. As tensions continue to rise, the call for swift and decisive action from local authorities has become a crucial point of focus.
