Canadian Hindu Group Warns of Escalating Temple Attacks as Khalistan Tensions Rise
The Hindu Canadian Foundation says pro-khalistan elements have moved from demonstrations at diplomatic posts to a broader campaign of harassment and threats against Hindu Canadians and temples across Canada, and the group is urging governments to step in as Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to India.
Khalistan-linked protesters, HCF says, shifted focus from consulates to temples
The HCF described what it calls a pattern of escalating harassment that began with actions at Indian consulates and has expanded to include threats directed at Hindu religious institutions and individual community members. The foundation singled out campaigns that it says targeted Indian diplomatic officials and senior Canadian political leaders, including Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In its statement the foundation said pro-Khalistan elements repeatedly used the right to protest while engaging in "aggressive and divisive tactics. " The HCF warned those tactics have extended beyond demonstrations to intimidation of members of Parliament and local leaders, and it named British Columbia Premier David Eby as one of the officials who has faced pressure in recent campaigns.
HCF calls for government action as Carney begins India trip
The foundation urged federal, provincial and municipal governments to take decisive action to safeguard public safety and "preserve social harmony. " It labeled the trend "bullying and growing extremism" and said peaceful protest must not cross the line into threats against elected leaders, multicultural communities or places of worship.
The HCF also expressed support for Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to India — which the foundation said will be followed by trips to Australia and Japan — calling the tour an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and diversify trade partnerships for Canadians of Indian heritage.
Carney in India as ties with Delhi thaw, free trade talks in focus
Carney began his visit in Mumbai where he met business leaders and will travel to New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip is framed around making progress on a comprehensive free trade agreement that has been discussed intermittently for years.
Diplomatic strains that once derailed talks remain part of the backdrop: the Canadian government previously accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, an allegation India denied. Four men were later charged in that death and the case is before the courts. Canadian reporters ahead of Carney's trip that Ottawa and Delhi are engaged in "robust" discussions on national security and foreign interference, and that Canada does not believe the Indian government is currently linked to violent crimes or threats on Canadian soil.
The HCF said pro-khalistan groups have "weaponised the narrative around India" in ways that it believes unfairly vilify the country of origin for many Hindu Canadians and foster division rather than dialogue. The foundation called on governments to respond to what it described as an expanding campaign of intimidation targeting community institutions and public officials.
Carney's immediate itinerary includes his planned talks in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by official travel to Australia and Japan. The HCF and other community leaders said they will be watching whether Canadian governments at all levels respond with the measures they requested to protect places of worship and public figures named in the foundation's statement.
