Opinion: Brampton Temple Attacks A Wake-Up Call For The Hindu Community

By Murli Menon

In recent weeks, the quiet suburban city of Brampton, located just outside of Toronto, Ontario, has become the epicenter of a disturbing series of attacks on Hindu temples. These attacks, which include vandalism, defacement, and violent protests, have sent shockwaves throughout the local and global Hindu communities. However, the deeper question behind these incidents is not just about isolated acts of hate but about the disturbing rise of anti-Hindu sentiment in Canada, fueled in part by political forces and a lack of accountability at the highest levels of government.

As Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, California, and Texas, the Hindu diaspora has long been proud of its cultural and religious contributions to their adopted countries. However, what’s happening in Brampton is a stark reminder that the fight for Hindu rights and security extends far beyond our shores. What is even more concerning is the growing evidence that these acts of terror might not be isolated or spontaneous, but rather part of a larger, coordinated campaign—one that has been tacitly sponsored or at least ignored by certain segments of the Canadian political establishment, notably by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

The Growing Threat to Hindu Temples in Brampton

Brampton, home to one of the largest Hindu populations in Canada, has recently witnessed multiple attacks on its Hindu temples, with incidents ranging from graffiti, broken windows, and statues being vandalized, to larger-scale violent protests against Hindu religious gatherings. These acts of desecration have been particularly alarming due to their organized and seemingly coordinated nature. But even more troubling is the apparent lack of immediate and decisive action by the authorities to prevent or punish the perpetrators.

The attacks have been widely attributed to radical elements within the Sikh separatist movement, particularly those pushing for the creation of a Khalistani state. These groups, operating with the support of several foreign entities, have repeatedly targeted Hindu institutions in Canada, and it appears that Brampton, with its large Indian diaspora, has become a focal point for their campaign. What makes these attacks even more alarming is the vocal support and at times, complicity, exhibited by certain sections of Canada’s political elite, including groups sympathetic to Khalistani separatism.

Trudeau’s Government: Aiding or Turning a Blind Eye?

One of the most alarming aspects of the situation in Brampton is the response (or lack thereof) from the Canadian government, particularly Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party. Trudeau’s record on dealing with Hindu and Indian affairs has been questionable at best. His continued engagement with and public statements about Khalistani groups have raised concerns within the Hindu community both in Canada and abroad.

While Trudeau has repeatedly emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in Canada, there has been little to no condemnation of the anti-Hindu violence that has occurred under his watch. His government has even been accused of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical groups operating within the Sikh community, a stance that has emboldened extremists to target Hindu temples and institutions with increasing impunity.

This failure to act has put Hindus in Canada, particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area, in a precarious position. As the attacks in Brampton illustrate, the government’s inaction is allowing violent extremists to flourish, undermining the safety and security of Hindu Canadians. Moreover, the continued political support for Khalistani elements only serves to validate their claims and gives them a platform to incite violence against Hindus, a religious minority in Canada.

The Global Impact: Hindus in the Diaspora Stand at the Crossroads

For Hindus living in cities across North America—whether in New York, California, Texas, Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto—the situation in Brampton represents a deeply concerning trend. The question many are asking is: Why is the Canadian government, under Justin Trudeau’s leadership, allowing or even fostering an environment where attacks on Hindu temples and institutions are becoming more frequent and more violent?

The implications of these attacks are not confined to Canada alone. As the global Hindu community spreads across the Western world, we are increasingly witnessing a coordinated rise in anti-Hindu sentiment and attacks on Hindu places of worship. From the United States to the United Kingdom, from Australia to Canada, it seems that Hindu communities everywhere are being targeted by radical groups with political agendas that threaten not only religious freedom but also the very fabric of multicultural societies.

In the U.S., NRIs have already seen increasing attempts to delegitimize the Hindu identity in educational and political circles. In the UK, pro-Khalistani groups have made their presence felt by harassing Hindus, while in Australia, violence against Hindus has escalated in recent years. Canada, under Trudeau’s leadership, now appears to be following this same path.

As the NRI Hindu community watches these attacks unfold, it’s vital that we stand united. We must raise our voices, not only in Canada but across the globe, to demand that these acts of terror be condemned and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. More importantly, we must demand that our elected leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, take decisive action to protect our religious institutions and communities.

The Need for a Unified Response

The time for action is now. The rise of radical extremism in Canada, fueled by the government’s toleration of Khalistani groups and their supporters, is threatening the safety and security of Hindus across the country. However, this is not just a fight for Canada—it is a fight for every Hindu living outside India, in places like New York, Montreal, California, Texas, Vancouver, and beyond.

The NRI Hindu community, with its significant economic and political influence, must take a stronger stance. We need to engage more actively with our local governments, both in Canada and in our countries of residence, to demand action. This includes not only condemning the violence in Brampton but also pushing for stronger laws that protect the rights of religious minorities. We must ensure that our voices are heard in the corridors of power and that our concerns are addressed at the highest levels.

Furthermore, the international Hindu community must stand in solidarity with our Canadian brethren. The fight to protect Hindu temples and our religious freedoms is a global one. From legal avenues to public protests, from social media campaigns to dialogues with government officials, we must ensure that the voices of Hindus around the world are unified in their demand for justice.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The attacks on Hindu temples in Brampton represent more than just acts of vandalism—they are part of a larger, coordinated effort to undermine the safety and security of Hindus in Canada and abroad. With the tacit approval or indifference of the Trudeau government, these extremist forces are gaining ground and threatening to destabilize the multicultural fabric of Canadian society.

As Hindus living in the diaspora, we have a responsibility to ensure that these attacks do not go unchallenged. The time for silence is over. We must demand that the Canadian government take immediate action to protect our temples and communities from further harm. Together, we must stand united, not just for Brampton but for the future of Hindus everywhere. The fight for our rights, our culture, and our safety is a fight we cannot afford to lose.

(Menon is the bestselling  author)