India Condemns Vandalism of Hindu Temple in Canada, Calls for Swift Action Against Perpetrators
Brampton, Feb 15 (VOICE): India has strongly condemned the defacing of a Hindu temple in Mississauga, Canada and has requested that authorities in the country investigate the incident and take swift action against the perpetrators. The Ram Mandir temple was vandalized with anti-India slogans, causing shockwaves within the Indian community.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also expressed his disappointment with the hate-motivated vandalism, stating that hate has no place in Canada. The Peel Regional Police are investigating the potential hate crime and are determined to find those responsible. Mayor Brown emphasized that religious freedom is a charter right in Canada and that everything will be done to ensure everyone is safe in their place of worship.
In recent months, there have been close to half a dozen incidents of vandalism, graffiti, break-ins, and burglaries at Hindu temples across Canada. Last week, there was an unsuccessful burglary attempt at the Ram Mandir temple, and a day later, the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton was burgled, with the thieves escaping with the donation box collections.
Last month, the Gauri Shankar Mandir was vandalized with “anti-India” graffiti in Brampton, prompting leaders in Canada and India to ask the Ottawa government to take the matter seriously. An unsuccessful break-in was also attempted at the Shri Hanuman Mandir in Brampton in January.
Statistics from the National Statistical Office of Canada show a 72% rise in hate crimes in Canada between 2019 and 2021, targeting a person’s race, religion, or sexual orientation.