Canada Denounces Threats to Hindus After Minority Community Told to Leave Country – News18

In the wake of recent threats against the Hindu community in Canada, the Canadian government has expressed its disapproval of such actions, emphasising that there is no place for hate in the country. This comes after a video featuring pro-Khalistan Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.

In a widely circulated video, Pannun threatened Hindus in Canada and urged them to leave the country and called on Canadian Sikhs to vote in a referendum scheduled for October 29 in Vancouver. “There is no place in Canada for hate. The circulation of an online video in which Hindu Canadians are told to leave Canada is offensive and hateful, and is an affront to all Canadians and the values we hold dearly,” Public Safety Canada said in a post on X.

“Acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear have no place in this country and only serve to divide us. We urge all Canadians to respect one another and follow the rule of law. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities,” it added.

India-Canada ties have plunged following the Canadian Prime Minister’s claims of the Indian government’s hand in the killing of Nijjar’s in Surrey on June 18. Canadian MP Chandra Arya has condemned targeted hate crimes against Hindu Canadians and voiced support for them in the wake of a threat from the pro-Khalistan group.

‘Hindu-Canadians Are Fearful’: Canadian MP Condemns Targeted Hate Crimes, Urges Vigilance

“Few days back Khalistan movement leader in Canada and the president of Sikhs for Justice which organizes the so-called referendum Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attacked Hindu-Canadians asking us to leave Canada and go back to India. I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack,” he said on Thursday. “I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant. Please report any incident of Hinduphobia to your local law enforcement agencies,” he added.

Following the threats, India issued an advisory asking its nationals in Canada and those planning to travel to the country to exercise utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and violence. “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

‘Exercise Utmost Caution’: MEA Advisory for Indians in Canada Amid Diplomatic Row Over Khalistan Issue

This statement from MEA follows India’s Intelligence agencies’ concern over pro-Khalistani entities (PKE) and growing political support for them in Canada, warning about “aggressive and intensified” activities against Indians and officials. The agencies shared that they can target temples, Indians living in Canada and Indian entrepreneurs running businesses there. The agencies added that clashes between PKEs and Indians can be reported in the coming days.