The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Edmonton, Canada, was defaced with anti-Bharat graffiti. The Hindu American Foundation reported that the graffiti targeted Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya. A photo of the defaced temple was shared on X.
The Hindu American Foundation’s post read, “The CHCC online confirms that the BAPS temple in Edmonton was attacked early today with graffiti slurs aimed at Chandra Arya, one of the few Hindu MPs in the Canadian House of Commons. We are appalled by this incident, which follows a disturbing trend of attacks attributed to pro-Khalistan activists.”
MP Chandra Arya condemned the act, noting a rise in vandalism against Hindu temples in Canada. “The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton has been vandalised again. In recent years, Hindu temples across the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and elsewhere in Canada have been targeted with hateful graffiti,” Arya said on X.
Arya, a Liberal MP known for his advocacy on multiculturalism, criticised the tolerance towards “Khalistani extremists” in Canada.
He stated, “Khalistani extremists continue to promote hate and violence without consequences. Hindu Canadians are understandably concerned. I call on Canadian law enforcement to address these threats seriously before they result in physical violence against Hindu Canadians.”
Authorities in Canada are being urged to implement measures to ensure the safety of all religious communities and prevent further incidents.
