Sikh Group Protests in Delhi Over Temple Attacks in Canada
Members of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum staged a protest outside the Canadian High Commission in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, denouncing recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada.
The demonstration, which saw increased police presence in the area, was organized by a coalition of Hindu and Sikh communities to express their discontent and demand accountability from Canadian authorities.
Hindu Sikh Global Forum’s Call for Unity
Leading the protest, Tarvinder Singh Marwah, President of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum, highlighted a recurring pattern of incidents targeting Hindu and Sikh communities. “An entire generation had been devastated during the militancy period, either killed or forced to migrate. Subsequently, our youth were targeted with drugs to disrupt their lives,” Marwah stated. He pointed out that recent acts, including attacks on temples, were yet another attempt to undermine the community’s unity and instigate forced conversions.
“These temple attacks are wrong and deeply unfortunate,” Marwah remarked, adding that the Sikh community in India remains united and does not support separatist ideologies. “A true Sikh stands with India. We reject Khalistani aspirations and demand respect for our tricolor and our country,” he emphasized.
Rising Diplomatic Strain Between India and Canada
The protest comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Canada has accused India of involvement in the killing of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist designated by India. Ottawa named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in connection to the incident, sparking a strong response from New Delhi, which dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently criticized Canada for ignoring New Delhi’s warnings about individuals with criminal connections, allowing them into the country without scrutiny.
The Hindu Sikh Global Forum’s demonstration in Delhi underscores the community’s solidarity and a clear message of allegiance to India amid the diplomatic row.
