Canada’s Growing Hostility Towards Hindus: A Rising Threat to Peace and Religious Harmony

Paromita Das

New Delhi: Canada has long prided itself on being a multicultural and inclusive society, but the reality on the ground tells a different story for the Hindu community. In recent years, Canada has witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, with multiple attacks on Hindu temples, threats to Hindu individuals, and an increasingly hostile atmosphere for the community.

The repeated acts of vandalism and desecration of Hindu places of worship reflect a growing pattern of intolerance, fueled by radical elements, political motivations, and government inaction. Bharat has taken strong diplomatic steps to condemn these attacks, but the question remains: Why is Canada becoming a breeding ground for anti-Hindu hostility?

Escalating Attacks on Hindu Temples and the Community

One of the most alarming aspects of anti-Hindu hostility in Canada is the targeting of Hindu temples. Temples, which are centers of peace, spirituality, and community engagement, have become soft targets for extremist groups.

The vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California’s Chino Hills has sparked outrage, but such incidents are not isolated—they are part of a larger, disturbing trend that extends into Canada. Several Hindu temples in Toronto, Vancouver, and Brampton have been attacked in the past year, with graffiti promoting Khalistan separatism, threats against Hindus, and anti-Bharat slogans.

Last year, the Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Brampton was desecrated with hate messages, followed by similar acts at the Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill. These acts are not just about religious intolerance but are also deeply connected to separatist movements and anti-Bharat propaganda that thrive within certain groups in Canada.

The Role of Khalistani Extremists in Spreading Hate

A major factor in Canada’s growing anti-Hindu sentiment is the unchecked rise of Khalistani extremism. While Bharat has made it clear that Khalistani elements are a security threat, Canada has failed to take decisive action against them.

The so-called “Khalistani Referendums” held across Canadian cities have created a dangerous environment for Hindus, who are often seen as pro-Bharat and, therefore, a target for separatist groups. These groups propagate anti-Hindu narratives, justify violence against Hindu temples, and intimidate members of the Hindu community.

Hindu community leaders in Canada have repeatedly raised concerns over safety, but Canadian authorities have not taken significant measures to prevent these attacks. Instead, they have allowed Khalistani groups to flourish, giving them platforms to spread hate speech, misinformation, and anti-Hindu propaganda.

Why is the Canadian Government Failing to Act?

Despite repeated diplomatic protests from Bharat, Canada has failed to address the rising hostility towards Hindus. Several reasons contribute to this inaction:

1. Political Appeasement: The Khalistani lobby has significant influence over Canadian politics, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Many politicians cater to separatist sentiments to secure votes from radical elements within the Sikh diaspora.
2. Lack of Law Enforcement Action: Even though multiple Hindu temples have been attacked, Canadian law enforcement agencies have failed to bring the culprits to justice. The hate crimes against Hindus are often downplayed, making the Hindu community feel unprotected and vulnerable.
3. Freedom of Expression vs. Hate Speech: Canada’s strong protection of free speech has allowed extremist groups to openly call for violence against Hindus and advocate for the destruction of Hindu places of worship. There is little accountability for inciting communal hatred, allowing anti-Hindu narratives to flourish.
4. Bharat-Canada Diplomatic Strains: Relations between Bharat and Canada have been tense, with Canada’s leniency towards pro-Khalistani groups being a major sticking point. While Bharat has consistently raised concerns over Hindu safety, Canada has ignored the warnings, further emboldening radical groups.

The Impact on Hindus Living in Canada

For the Hindu community in Canada, the situation has become increasingly precarious. Many Hindus feel unwelcome in a country that once promised multiculturalism and religious tolerance. Hindu students and professionals have reported increased harassment on campuses and workplaces. Hindu business owners have faced vandalism and threats from extremist groups. Families fear celebrating religious festivals publicly due to concerns over security and community backlash.

The rising attacks on Hindu temples and hate crimes against Hindus have instilled a deep sense of fear and alienation within the community. Many Hindus now question whether Canada remains a safe place for them.

Canada Must Take Immediate Action

The Canadian government cannot continue to ignore the rising hostility against Hindus. If Canada truly values multiculturalism and religious freedom, it must take strong steps to protect its Hindu citizens from extremist elements.

1. Strict Action Against Hate Crimes: The Canadian authorities must ensure that every attack on a Hindu temple is investigated thoroughly and that those responsible are brought to justice.
2. Ban on Extremist Groups: Any group propagating religious hatred or supporting violence must be banned from operating in Canada.
3. Diplomatic Cooperation with Bharat: Canada must work with Bharatiya authorities to curb the funding and activities of extremist groups that target Hindus.
4. Stronger Law Enforcement Presence: Increased security for Hindu places of worship and stronger hate crime laws are necessary to protect vulnerable communities.

If Canada continues to ignore these growing threats, it will not only lose its reputation as a secular and inclusive nation but also risk fostering a dangerous environment of unchecked extremism.

Conclusion: A Warning Sign for Hindus Worldwide

The rising hostility towards Hindus in Canada is not an isolated incident—it is part of a larger global trend where Hindu communities face increasing attacks and discrimination in various parts of the world.

The recent desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California is a reminder that Hindu places of worship are under threat not just in Canada but across North America.

Bharat’s stern diplomatic response to these attacks signals that Hindus will not remain silent in the face of religious intolerance and targeted violence.

The Canadian government must wake up to this reality and act decisively before Canada loses its credibility as a country that upholds religious freedom and diversity. The Hindu community in Canada must be protected, and the world must recognize the dangers of allowing anti-Hindu extremism to grow unchecked.