External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in Canada, calling the attack “deeply concerning.” The minister made the remarks during his official visit to Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday, as reported by news agency Reuters.
Attack on Hindu Temple in Canada: A Cause for Concern
“What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning,” Jaishankar stated, addressing the media while on an official visit to the Australian capital. The attack is seen as a troubling incident, coming at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Canada are already strained due to other ongoing issues.
Escalating Tensions Between India and Canada
The vandalism of the Hindu temple adds to the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats by India. This move was part of a broader diplomatic standoff after Canada claimed that Indian agents were involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan Sikh radical Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was killed in June 2023 in British Columbia, Canada, leading to accusations and counteraccusations between the two nations.
India has categorically denied any involvement in the killing of Nijjar, while Canada has insisted on the presence of “Indian agents” in the crime. The situation has escalated to a diplomatic dispute, with both countries taking steps that have further complicated relations.
India Condemns Violence by Extremists and Separatists
In a statement issued on Monday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the “acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists.” The ministry called on the Canadian government to ensure the safety and protection of all places of worship, including temples, across the country. This call for action underscores the importance of safeguarding religious sites amidst rising concerns over the security of the Hindu community in Canada.
Prime Minister Modi Strongly Condemns Attack
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his strong condemnation of the attack. In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi described the attack as “deliberate” and “cowardly.” He emphasized that such acts of violence would not weaken India’s resolve to stand firm in its beliefs.
“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” Modi wrote in his post.
Previous Incidents of Vandalism Against Hindu Temples
This recent attack is not an isolated incident. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor, Canada, was also defaced, which sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. These incidents of vandalism have raised concerns about the safety of Hindu places of worship in Canada, with growing demands for stronger measures to prevent such attacks.
The repeated incidents of vandalism against Hindu temples in Canada have sparked an outcry from both the Indian government and Hindu communities in both India and Canada. This has put further pressure on the Canadian government to address the issue, ensure security for all religious communities, and take swift action against those responsible for the violence.
Calls for Canadian Government’s Accountability
In light of the recent events, India is demanding that the Canadian government take immediate and effective steps to protect places of worship and ensure that justice is served. The situation highlights the broader concerns related to the rise of extremism and religious intolerance in various parts of the world, as well as the need for governments to protect the religious freedoms of all their citizens.
India’s diplomatic efforts, particularly with regard to protecting its citizens and places of worship abroad, are likely to intensify following these recent incidents. The government has made it clear that such violent acts will not be tolerated, and it expects the Canadian authorities to act swiftly to prevent further violence and hold those responsible accountable.
Conclusion
The attack on the Hindu temple in Canada is part of a series of incidents that have caused significant tension between India and Canada. As both countries continue to navigate this complex diplomatic situation, the safety and protection of religious sites and communities will remain a crucial issue. The Indian government has made it clear that it will continue to voice its concerns until justice is served and such attacks cease.
India’s strong response to these acts of violence underscores the growing importance of maintaining peace and security for all religious communities worldwide. As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how Canada addresses these concerns and whether it can restore a sense of security for its diverse population.
