News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd July 2024
The recent vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton has ignited widespread condemnation and concern about rising Hinduphobia in Canada. On Monday morning, the temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti, leading to a strong reaction from various sectors, including political leaders and community organizations.
The Consulate General of India in Vancouver has expressed its disapproval of the attack. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate condemned the defacing of the Edmonton temple, labeling it as a significant act of hate. They have urged Canadian authorities to promptly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
At this point, there has been no official response from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the organization managing the temple. Additionally, no formal actions have been reported regarding the vandalism that took place. Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, criticized the attack, asserting that such hate crimes have no place in Canada, particularly in sacred spaces like places of worship.
The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), representing the Hindu business community in Canada, also denounced the vandalism. The CHCC described the act as not just an assault on a building but as an affront to the Hindu community’s values and the broader principles of respect and tolerance in Canadian society. They have called for immediate and effective measures from the Canadian government and local authorities to combat Hinduphobia and protect religious institutions.
This latest incident in Edmonton follows a troubling pattern of attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. Last year, there were multiple reports of vandalism, including incidents in Mississauga, Brampton, and Windsor. Some of these attacks involved Khalistani referendum posters, which included veiled threats against Hindus.
The vandalism in Edmonton has prompted strong reactions from several political figures. Chandra Arya, MP for Nepean, highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. Arya pointed out previous incidents and criticized the leniency towards Khalistani extremists who have publicly expressed hostility towards Hindus. Arya emphasized the urgent need for Canadian law enforcement to take these threats seriously to prevent further violence.
Terry Duguid, MP for Winnipeg South and Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also voiced his dismay. Duguid described the defacing of the temple as a repulsive act that contradicts Canadian values of tolerance and respect. He expressed solidarity with the affected community and acknowledged the positive contributions of the BAPS community in Canada.
The Hindu American Foundation echoed the outrage expressed by other groups and pointed out that the vandalism at the Edmonton temple included slurs targeting a Hindu MP, which underscores the escalating nature of these attacks. They have urged Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, to investigate the incident thoroughly and remain vigilant, especially with the upcoming Khalistan referendum in Calgary potentially exacerbating tensions.
