Pro-Khalistan graffiti on Swaminarayan temple in Toronto; India condemns incident
Ottawa (Canada), September 15: Unknown miscreants on Tuesday vandalised and painted anti-India graffiti on the walls of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) temple in Canada.
The Indian High Commission in Canada strongly condemned the incident and demanded prompt action against the perpetrators.
"We strongly condemn the defacing of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto with anti-India graffiti. Have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on the perpetrators," India in Canada said on Twitter.
A video of the incident also went viral on social media in which Khalistani slogans were seen scribbled on the walls of the temple.
Following the incident, Patrick Brown, the mayor of Brampton, voiced his disappointment and said, "Very disappointed to hear of the vandalism that occurred at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto. This type of hate has no place in the GTA or Canada. Let's hope those criminals responsible are brought to justice quickly."
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Indian-origin Member of Parliament of Canada, Chandra Arya tweeted, "Vandalism of Toronto BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir by Canadian Khalistani extremists should be condemned by all. This is not just an isolated event. Canadian Hindu temples have been targeted in the recent past by these kinds of hate crimes. Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned."
"I am distraught by the act of vandalism that has taken place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto. We live in a multicultural and multi-faith community where everyone deserves to feel safe. Those responsible should be located to face the consequences of their actions," Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu added.
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-PTC News
