Ottawa, April 3 – Several global Hindu advocacy organizations have strongly condemned the calls by the Khalistani extremist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), to stage protests outside Hindu temples in Canada.
The groups expressed concern over the potential disruption and urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of religious places and communities.
SFJ announced "Khalistan Zindabad" rallies on April 5 in front of the Triveni Mandir in Brampton and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey to protest against the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF).
The HCF objected to the planned rallies, stating that "targeting the Hindu community because of its ancient roots to India or indigenous cultural identity is xenophobia and Hinduphobia, plain and simple."
The organization urged the Canadian police to ensure full-day security at the temple premises and for devotees on April 5, in light of the planned protest by Khalistani extremist groups, which it said have a history of "violent and extremist behaviour."
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also sharply criticised the plans by SFJ to protest outside Hindu temples, citing concern over the extremist group's past record of violence, including a "medieval-style" assault on Hindu devotees and the invasion of temples on November 3, 2024.
The organization said that Hindu devotees, who visit temples for prayer and spiritual connection, have often encountered loud and abusive demonstrations at the temple entrances, as well as "violent imagery, glorification of terrorism, and verbal harassment."
"This is nothing but religious bigotry and targeted harassment that masquerades as 'freedom of speech' and 'political expression'. It must be noted that the Hindu Canadian Foundation also enjoys freedom of speech, and using the threat of physical protests against an entire community to silence one organization violates the very basic Canadian principle of fairness," CoHNA stated.
The organization expressed solidarity with the HCF's right to express their lawful opinions about the Khalistan movement without "fear of bullying and physical harassment."
CoHNA also acknowledged and appreciated the commitment by Peel Regional Police to enforce Brampton's 'Protecting Places of Worship from Public Nuisance Demonstrations By-law'. It noted that by establishing a 100-meter safety zone around Triveni Mandir, the Canadian authorities have finally recognised that the right to expression does not include the "right to lay siege, either physically or psychologically, to a congregation."
The organization called on Surrey Police and authorities to take immediate note and implement similar protective measures for Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.