Image Credit: Hindu Mandhir Surrey
Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey Defaced with Pro-Khalistan Graffiti
In yet another act of targeted vandalism, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia has been defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, heightening concerns over growing extremism and communal tensions within Canada. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, marks the third such attack on this particular temple.
Witnesses and local observers reported that two individuals were seen around 3 a.m. spray-painting Khalistani slogans on the temple walls and subsequently removing a security camera to evade identification. The brazen nature of the act has alarmed the temple’s management and devotees, many of whom feel increasingly vulnerable and unsupported by local authorities.
This act of vandalism follows closely on the heels of a similar incident at the Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, where slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” and threatening messages directed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were painted on the exterior.
Political and Community Outrage
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from elected representatives and community leaders. Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya called the attack a “chilling reminder” of the increasing influence of Khalistani extremism in Canada, warning that such groups are “well-funded, highly organized, and politically shielded.” Arya urged both Hindu and Sikh communities to unite in demanding stronger government action against such hate-driven violence.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, which oversees the Ross Street Gurdwara, also issued a statement condemning the acts. They distanced themselves from the separatist elements, noting that a small fringe of radical actors is attempting to disrupt peace and create division within the broader Sikh community in Canada.
A Pattern of Escalating Attacks
The defacement of temples and gurdwaras with extremist graffiti has become a recurring pattern in Canada over the past two years, with nearly 20 places of worship reportedly targeted. Despite investigations into these hate crimes, arrests and convictions remain rare, prompting criticism about the effectiveness of law enforcement and intelligence operations.
Community leaders are now urging authorities at all levels—municipal, provincial, and federal—to take proactive steps, including increasing surveillance, enhancing inter-faith outreach, and ensuring stricter penalties for hate crimes.
As Canada continues to project itself as a multicultural democracy, these recurring incidents are casting a shadow over its commitment to religious freedom and community safety. The repeated targeting of Hindu and Sikh religious sites demands an urgent, coordinated, and transparent response to restore public confidence and social harmony.
