Another incident by Khalistani extremists took place at a Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Canada on February 13. The Indian commission in Canada has denounced the incident and urged Canadian authorities to move quickly to prosecute the offenders after anti-India graffiti remarks on a well-known Hindu temple in what appears to be a hate crime.Indias Consulate in Toronto tweeted that, “We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators.”According to the message on the Facebook page of the temple it is stated that, “Vandalism occurred overnight on February 13 in Mississauga, Ontario. We at the Ram Mandir are very disturbed by this incident and will take appropriate action with the authorities on this.”This is not the first time that a Hindu temple has been defaced with anti-graffiti slogans in Canada. The walls were painted with anti-India graffiti slogans. In January, a similar incident was reported for the with hate-filled messages at another Hindu temple. The messages are directed towards India, causing an outrage among the Indian Community in Canada. The defacing of the Hindu Temple Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton is among the incidents reported at least three times in Canada since last July.Last year, in September also, a BAPS Swamynarayan Mandir, Toronto was defaced by “Canadian Khalistani Extremists”. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organisation committed to cultivating Hindu principles of faith and advancing society through individual growth. In response to this incident, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the hate crimes against Indians with anti-India graffiti remarks and expressed stern concerns.Approximately 72 percent of the crime rate has increased based on religion, sexual orientation, and race in 2019 and 2021 as per reports, which has led to increased anxiety in the Indian community, which is the fastest growing demographic group in Canada, accounting for almost four percent of the total population.Hindu Temple vandalised in Australia alsoAs a result of recent attacks on Hindu temples, there have been three incidents reported in Australia since January, according to officials. Khalistani extremists vandalised the Hindu temples with anti-India graffiti remarks all over. Calling such episodes deeply disturbing, Indian Commission has raised the concern with the Australian government repeatedly and asked the Australian government to ensure the safety and security of the Indian Community there. “We hope that not only will the perpetrators be brought to justice but that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent further attacks,” they continued.Timeline of attacks on Hindu temples in AustraliaJanuary 12: Swaminarayan temple was desecrated in the Mill Park area of Melbourne with anti-India slogans.January 16: The historic Shiva Vishnu Temple was vandalised in Carrom Downs, Victoria. Here also, anti-Hindu graffiti was found. This was the second incident in a weeks time in Australia.January 23: The ISCKON Temple was defaced with anti-Hindu slogansThe walls were painted with Khalistan Zindabad and Hidustan Murdabad. They also hailed Khalistani supporter Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a martyr.Although, the complaints by the local authorities have been registered against them and authorities have assured them to take legal action against them.
