‘We Fear for Our Lives’, Say Insiders at Canada Hindu Temple Amid ‘Harassment’ by Khalistanis.

Indian consular camps in Surrey go ahead despite heavy protests by Khalistani Groups in front of Revered Hindu Temple in Canada. 

But, as of now, both the Hindu and Sikh people are ready to protest against these Khalistani Elements putting scars among the Hindu-Sikh relationship in Canada. There is also a strong demand to stop visas by Government of India to such Kahilastani elements in India coming from Canada or elsewhere. These fringe Kahlistani elements are highly supported by the anti-Indian Pakistani intelligence service ISI. 

Manoj Anirudh | HENB | Toronto | Nov 27, 2023:: Hindu Devotees and members of the Indo-Canadian community in the town of Surrey in British Columbia confronted pro-Khalistan elements who had come to protest a consular camp at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir on Sunday. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Canada’s Surrey has become the flashpoint of tensions between Khalistanis and the Hindu community, with the former allegedly harassing Hindu devotees and the latter replying with peaceful counter-protests.

According to temple officials nearly 200 counter-protestors faced off for over three hours against the pro-Khalistan protest, which had been called by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJ.

Temple president Satish Kumar said, referring to the consular camp organised at the temple, “Everything ran very smoothly.”

“They had about 25 protestors and we had nearly 200,” he added.

The two groups faced off across the road in front of the temple as Surrey Police deployed nearly 20 personnel to keep them apart.

“The way they had given us an ultimatum, we were ready to face them. They never expected we were prepared to give them a taste of their own medicine,” temple council chair Parshotam Goel said.

“If the consulate needs to deliver services to the community, we will welcome them, regardless of the threat. We are not going to get intimidated and we’re not going to take it lying down,” he stressed.

But,  there is some anxiety in the mind of the Hindu diaspora in Canada. “This is a regular feature. Khalistanis come and protest. We fear for our lives because of them. The Canadian government is showing no interest and has never taken any action despite repeated complaints from us against these groups,” a source told HENB.

After almost three hours of the confrontation in front of Surrey Lakshmi Narayan Temple, police officers at the venue intervened to disperse the two groups. Police also prevented masked Khalistani elements in a vehicle from disrupting the camp, which had been organized by India’s Consulate in Vancouver.

Earlier in the day, the temple posted on social media, “Mandir Attack. Come and Save.”

The so-called ‘Khalistani protesters’ also demanded justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the separatist-terrorist who was shot dead in Canada’s Surrey in June. The death of Nijjar has led to war of words between Canada and India, with the former accusing New Delhi of playing a role in the death of Nijjar, who is also a Canadian citizen.

But, as of now, both the Hindu and Sikh people are ready to protest against these Khalistani Elements putting scars among the Hindu-Sikh relationship in Canada. There is also a strong demand to stop visas by Government of India to such Kahilastani elements in India coming from Canada or elsewhere. These fringe Kahlistani elements are highly supported by the anti-Indian Pakistani intelligence service ISI.

Earlier in April, the Kalibari authorities raised concerns about a theft attempt at the temple but suspected the original motive was to demoralise the Hindu community living there and also to spook frequent visitors.

“Toronto Kali Bari, a Hindu Temple, in the City of Mississauga was established over 35 years ago and is maintained as a safe, common place of worship to protect and showcase the rich traditions of Hindu culture. Our goal is to provide a comfortable place where peaceful ideals and celebrations are aimed to further the well-being, prosperity and overall development of our community,” the Toronto Kalibari’s website reads. The three-decades old temple is located at 6815 Professional Court, Mississauga, ON L4V1Y3.

India on several occasions raised concerns with Canada over rising Hinduphobia and attacks on temples but the Canadian government has failed to address those concerns, leading to deterioration of ties between New Delhi and Ottawa.

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__INputs from HT & CNN-News18.