In a resolute stand against the recent video release by the pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Canadian ministers have come forward to denounce its contents, which threatened Hindus of Indian origin, urging them to leave Canada. This condemnation arrives just two days after the video’s dissemination by the secessionist group.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all Canadians within their communities. He took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to express, “All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. The circulation of an online hate video targeting Hindu Canadians runs contrary to the values we hold dear as Canadians. There is no place for acts of aggression, hate, intimidation, or incitement of fear.” His department echoed these sentiments, labeling the video as “offensive and hateful.”
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan echoed similar sentiments, addressing Hindu Canadians and Indians from all backgrounds. He asserted, “Anyone who says you do not deserve to be safe & welcomed in your home does not embody the values of freedom and kindness we hold dear as Canadians. Do not let others delegitimize or question your place and love for Canada.”
In response to this video, the organization Canadian Hindus for Harmony has called for strict action against those responsible and implored the Canadian government to promptly address the issue. They questioned why the perpetrator wasn’t charged under hate crime laws.
Meanwhile, SFJ’s legal counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, in a widely circulated video, called on Indo-Hindus to leave Canada and return to India. He accused them of supporting India and suppressing the speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs, further alleging their involvement in promoting violence by celebrating the assassination of SFJ’s principal figure, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on June 18. Notably, Pannun has been designated as a terrorist in India.
In a parallel effort, another Hindu organization, the Canadian Organization For Hindu Heritage Education, has initiated an e-petition, e-4507, before the House of Commons. This petition aims to recognize “anti-Hindu” prejudice and discrimination as Hinduphobia in the Human Rights Code’s glossary of terms. Remarkably, the petition has already garnered over 12,500 signatures, surpassing the required threshold of 500 for government consideration. The number of signatures has significantly surged since the video’s release, rising from 9,000 to over 12,500 within a span of 24 hours.
Simultaneously, the Hindu Community of Canada has called upon Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to condemn the video. They expect not only a reaction but also concrete actions from the Prime Minister, as he has emphasized the importance of the rule of law in Canada. Highlighting a concerning trend, they noted that at least a dozen temples have been desecrated by pro-Khalistan elements since the previous summer, yet Canadian law enforcement agencies have made no arrests in these cases. To address this issue, they plan to launch a Hinduphobia incident reporting helpline, recognizing the hesitation of victims to come forward due to fear and anxiety.
In summary, Canadian ministers have unequivocally condemned the SFJ video’s contents, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the safety and rights of Hindus of Indian origin in Canada. Their proactive response aims to combat hate, discrimination, and violence while upholding the nation’s values of freedom and inclusivity.
