A fervent plea has been made to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by the Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) to safeguard Canada from any form of glorification of terrorism. Expressing concerns over the current political discourse surrounding India's purported involvement in the nation, the HFC emphasized that such rhetoric only serves to embolden extremist factions.
In a letter directed to PM Trudeau, the HFC voiced the community's apprehension, stating that despite their positive contributions, they feel a sense of insecurity within Canada, with their anxieties remaining unaddressed.
"Our sense of safety within Canada is dwindling. The Hindu community is deeply troubled by ongoing political controversies linked to alleged foreign (India) intervention in Canadian affairs," expressed the HFC in their missive.
The HFC highlighted their distress over the statements made by organizations like Sikhs for Justice and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, whose anti-India rhetoric has escalated following the demise of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last year. Pannun's calls for Canadian Hindus to depart the country, coupled with threats to disrupt Air India flights, have instilled fear, compounded by instances of vandalism targeting Hindu temples and Indian diplomatic missions with pro-Khalistan graffiti and anti-PM Modi slogans.
PM Trudeau's assertion last September regarding Indian agents' involvement in the killing of a "Canadian citizen on Canadian soil" has further bolstered Pannun's stance and that of other extremist groups operating within Canada.
"The ongoing political discourse concerning India's alleged intervention in Canadian affairs exacerbates the situation, empowering extremist elements," the letter stressed.
Furthermore, the HFC cautioned against Canadian government interference in Indian democracy through hasty statements, despite persistent advisories.
India has vehemently refuted baseless accusations of interference by Canadian agencies in its elections, attributing such claims to Canada's meddling in New Delhi's internal matters.
The Hindu community expressed dismay over the misinterpretation of a proposed motion—M-112—by MP Sukh Dhaliwal, which has left community members discontented. The motion, targeting several countries including India, China, Russia, and Iran for political meddling, violence, and intimidation on Canadian soil, sets a perilous precedent legitimizing mere allegations, posing a threat to Hindus and the broader Canadian populace.
"It's disheartening and alarming that the current Liberal government appears to conflate evidence-based assertions with unfounded claims," lamented the HFC to Trudeau.
Moreover, the HFC criticized Dhaliwal's actions as driven more by political motives aimed at garnering support from anti-Hindu and anti-Indian factions than by a genuine desire for peace or understanding.
Hinduism, the third-largest religion in Canada, boasts approximately 2.3% of the nation's population as adherents. As of 2021, over 830,000 Canadians identify with the Hindu faith.
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