‘Modi Is Terrorist’: Temple Sign Defaced With Pro-Khalistan Grafitti In Canada

International

oi-Deepika S

A signboard at the Shri Bhagavad Gita Park in Brampton, in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA was vandalised on Friday, the latest in a series of similar incidents that have taken place in Canada targeting the Hindu community.

The temple management found graffiti painted across the signboard which read “Modi Is Terrorist (BBC).”

However, City workers quickly removed the graffiti and restored the sign to its original state.

“The City is deeply disappointed to learn of the recent act of vandalism targeting a park sign, which is an attack on a faith community. This matter has been promptly forwarded to the Peel Police for investigation and appropriate action,” tweeted City of Brampton.

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“At the City of Brampton, we stand united against such acts of intolerance and discrimination. We proudly uphold our values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all and these acts of hate will not be tolerated,” it added.

Reacting to the development, the Hindu American Foundation said “If reports are confirmed, a Bhagavad Gita Park sign was defaced with anti-Modi graffiti.”

“This action highlights a rising form of Hinduphobia and dual loyalty smear wherein Hindu temples and symbols are attacked in the West as a proxy for attacking the Indian state,” it added.

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Since July last year, at least six similar acts of vandalism have been recorded in Canada.

Statistics Canada reported a 72 per cent increase in hate crimes based on religion, sexual orientation, and race between 2019 and 2021.

This has led to increased fears among minority communities, particularly the Indian community, which is the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada, accounting for almost four per cent of the population.

Story first published: Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10:59 [IST]