Outrage over pro-Khalistani elements engaging in ‘Hinduphobic’ behaviour
The Hindu community in Canada has voiced strong concerns over recent protests targeting India's High Commissioner to Ottawa's events, where pro-Khalistani elements engaged in behavior labeled as "Hinduphobic." Of particular concern were posters related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, depicting Hindus in a negative light. Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), condemned the dissemination of such disinformation, warning that it fuels Hinduphobia and poses risks to ordinary citizens.
These sentiments followed a series of posts from CoHNA Canada, highlighting the impunity with which Khalistani supporters engage in violence against law enforcement, diplomats, and the press, and calling for greater attention to the issue of Hinduphobia.
The Indian Hindu community in Canada has expressed outrage over what they perceive as "Hinduphobic" behavior exhibited by pro-Khalistani elements during recent protests targeting India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa’s events in western provinces of the country.
Particularly alarming to the Hindu community were posters related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, which followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. One poster displayed during a pro-Khalistan demonstration in Calgary alleged that Sikh infants were “burnt alive by Hindu mobs” during the riots, despite the events not being considered communal in nature.
Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), condemned the dissemination of such disinformation, stating that it is deeply disturbing and contributes to the proliferation of Hinduphobia. He emphasized the need to address this issue seriously, as allowing such misinformation to spread under the guise of protest paves the way for further discrimination against Hindus.
CoHNA Canada also raised concerns about the impunity with which Khalistani supporters engage in violence against law enforcement, diplomats, and the press. They highlighted the risks posed by these groups to ordinary citizens and called for greater attention to the issue of Hinduphobia.
In response to these developments, the Hindu community in Canada is calling for action to address the spread of Hinduphobia and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
By: Sahiba Suri
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