Canada: Hindu groups condemn planned Khalistan rallies outside temples; urge authorities to act
On April 4, 2026, Hindu Groups in Canada wrote an open letter to the Canadian Police after planned protests by Khalistani extremists outside Hindu temples in a planned conspiracy to provoke violence and hatred. The organisation urged Canadian law enforcement to provide full-day security at temple premises and for devotees, citing what it described as a history of “violent and extremist behaviour” linked to such groups. The Coalition of Hindus of North America also criticised the planned protests, pointing to past incidents it said involved violence, including an assault on Hindu devotees and temple disruptions in November 2024. The group said temple visitors have faced “loud and abusive demonstrations” at entrances, along with “violent imagery, glorification of terrorism and verbal harassment.” The Hindu groups strongly condemn the planned protests called by the group ‘Sikhs for Justice’ outside Triveni Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, on April 5, 2026. Notably, the call for the rallies was issued by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), and the two temples targeted are the Triveni Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, in the Greater Toronto Area, and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia. In a statement on Saturday, Peel Regional Police (PRP) warned, “Unlawful acts and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. Also Read: Assam Election | Congress always echoes “song lyrics by Pakistan” and undermine armed forces of Bharat: PM Modi It added, “Hate has no place here”. PRP said it supported the “right to a
On April 4, 2026, Hindu groups in Canada expressed deep concern and condemnation over planned protests by Khalistani extremists outside Hindu temples. These groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America, wrote an open letter to the Canadian Police, urging law enforcement to provide full-day security at temple premises and for devotees. The letter highlighted a history of "violent and extremist behaviour" linked to such groups, citing past incidents involving violence, including an assault on Hindu devotees and temple disruptions in November 2024.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America criticized the planned protests, pointing out that temple visitors have faced "loud and abusive demonstrations" at entrances, along with "violent imagery, glorification of terrorism, and verbal harassment." The Hindu groups strongly condemned the planned protests called by the group "Sikhs for Justice" outside Triveni Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, on April 5, 2026. Notably, the call for the rallies was issued by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), and the two temples targeted are significant sites in the Greater Toronto Area and British Columbia.
In response to these concerns, Peel Regional Police (PRP) issued a statement on Saturday warning, "Unlawful acts and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. Hate has no place here." PRP emphasized its support for the "right to a lawful and peaceful assembly" while also working with organizers and partners to ensure the demonstration remains safe for all. Officers were present to maintain public order and crowd safety.
These protests are seen as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and harass Hindu Canadians at their sacred places of worship. Temples are sacred spaces for prayer, peace, and community, and targeting them is a direct challenge to the religious freedom and security of Hindu devotees in Canada. The Hindu groups called for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent any potential violence or disruption, ensuring the safety and well-being of temple visitors and the broader community.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between different religious groups in Canada, particularly those related to the Khalistan movement, which seeks the creation of a separate Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. While the Canadian government has historically promoted multiculturalism and religious tolerance, incidents like these underscore the challenges faced in maintaining harmony and preventing acts of extremism.
As the planned protests approach, the Hindu community in Canada is calling for a unified response and a strong stand against any attempts to disrupt their religious practices. The Coalition of Hindus of North America and other groups are urging the authorities to prioritize the safety of their members and uphold the principles of religious freedom and equality.
The Peel Regional Police's statement serves as a reminder that the right to protest must come with a responsibility to ensure that such activities do not escalate into violence or hatred. In a diverse and multicultural society like Canada, it is crucial to find a balance between upholding individual freedoms and protecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.
The upcoming protests outside the temples in Brampton and Surrey will be closely watched by the Hindu community and the broader public, as they test the limits of religious tolerance and the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining peace and order. The response from the authorities will be pivotal in determining whether these events can be managed peacefully or if they spiral into further conflict, potentially fueling more division and unrest in the region.
