Brampton, ON — In the wake of recent violent attacks and hate crimes targeting Hindu-Canadians outside Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, and Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, VHP Canada has conducted a landmark survey to gauge the sentiment of the Canadian Hindu community.
The “Voice of Canadian Hindus” survey, launched on November 8, has already garnered hundreds of responses, highlighting the community’s deep concerns for safety, inadequate government response, and a demand for protective action against rising extremism.
These attacks on peaceful devotees in sacred spaces are not only attacks on the Hindu community but an affront to Canada’s fundamental commitment to religious freedom and public safety. The survey responses reveal the intense need for action and accountability from all levels of government to address this rising threat.The survey reveals striking levels of anxiety and dissatisfaction with how the violencehas been addressed, with 98.5% of respondents aware of the recent hate-drivenattacks, and 95.3% expressing worry over the implications for Hindu-Canadiansafety. Many respondents point to inaction from law enforcement and government, with98% rating the Canadian government’s response as poor or extremely poor and96% expressing similar disapproval for law enforcement’s handling of theseincidents.
Key Findings from the “Voice of Canadian Hindus” Survey:
1. 98.5% of respondents are aware of recent hateful attacks on Hindu temples by extremist groups in Ontario and British Columbia.
2. 95% do not feel safe in Canada following these attacks.
3. 98% rate the government’s response as poor or extremely poor, while 96% rate law enforcement’s response similarly.
The survey also highlights the community’s urgent calls for action, with the following top demands:
1. Ban on Khalistani extremist groups and their activities, with 95% support from respondents. Clear government statement condemning Khalistani extremist ideology, as supported by 93% of respondents. 2. Investigation into law enforcement’s role in allegedly supporting Khalistani extremists, as demanded by 92%.
3. Curbing protests outside places of worship (87%) and enhanced protection for Hindu mandirs and the community (86%).
VHP Canada is urging all Hindu-Canadians to participate in the “Voice of Canadian Hindus” survey, which will remain open and be updated periodically to gather community insights. The organization plans to share the findings with relevant authorities to advocate for stronger measures to protect the over one million Hindus residing in Canada. VHP Canada calls on federal, provincial, and local governments to recognize the urgency of this issue and take decisive action to protect the safety and rights of the Hindu community.
For more information, please contact: [email protected]
Dhanyavad,
VHP Canada
www.vhpcanada.ca
Enclosed – Visuals details from the survey
Key highlights from Verbatim feedback
Verbatim feedback from Canadian Hindus around key themes (out of more than 500 comments)
● A law should be passed that no protest by person, individual or community in front of any worship place like temple, church, masjid or gurudwara. If anyone break this law, should be fined 1 million or 5 year in prison.
● As Hindu I’m scared for safety of my and my family. Thinking to relocate to another country.
● I am a proud Canadian citizen of Hindu faith and I would not like either of that to be jeopardized.
● Ask for an apology letter from local authorities for wrongful involvement in Violence
● Avoid religious bias for political benefits
● Bad politics must not hurt any religion specifically Hindus
● As a Canadian I don’t agree the govt to support extremists and provide safe heaven to terrorists and their organizations in Canada.
● Apart from govt of Canada’s response I think govt of India and consulates needs to proactively identify people who participate in khalistan movement and if possible govt needs to cancel their OCI and their family member’s OCI as well so they will get strong life lesson.
● Any type of violence is not acceptable also protest of any kind for foreign country should be banned in Canada. While in Canada be concerned about Canada
● Acknowledged Hinduphobia and take decisive steps to address Hinduphobia by increasing awareness through educational institutions and by declaring Hinduphobia awareness month/day
● A quick and decisive action by the authorities is the need of this moment. All those Khalistani extremists whose dossiers have been submitted must be extradited right away to India for lawful action by the Indian govt. Canada appears to be harboring and protecting these terrorists and by turning deaf ears and blind eyes to their unlawful activities on Canadian land is encouraging their violent acts. For his personal short-term gains, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is destroying the harmonious civic fabric of Canada with long term consequences
● 16 year old kid was arrested from a place of worship, because police stopped going out of temple. He was unconscious, his mind will have this nightmare for life time. Police has to provide him counselling and free education in any university. After impact on the mind of that kid is unimaginable. Police has to provide apology letter to that boy. All the police officers should be relived from Duty, when people when telling them he is kid, they should stop the arrest. Law for arresting minor is to have counsellor before arresting. Strict action should be taken.
● The Khalistani extremists involved with the violence should be charged and arrested so that a clear signal goes out to such groups. A clear message/ warning to Gurudwara Management agent boards should be given to stop any Khalistan promotion activities in the Gurudwaras. In gurudwaras no funds should be collected to promote Khalistan.
● Canadian politicians must recognize that Khalistan movement is problem and should voice against its and refrain to attend any events where this is present.
● Deeply disturbed by the recent incidents against Hindus in Canada. Equally disappointed that no action is taken by the law enforcement authorities against the extremists. This leaves Hindus with zero confidence in the Police and Government authorities.
● Do not harbour terrorist in Canada and ruin our country’s reputation for vote bank appeasement
● Do not support any extremist activities in Canada and make stronger laws not to misuse the freedom of speach law
● Don’t be a shelter for Terrorism
● Don’t let any politician talk to your community from your platform if they cannot call out extremists openly.
● Don’t support khalistan
● Due to this khalistanis people we all Indians are blamed. Strict action needs to be taken against them. Or the future is gone due to these people.
For more information about VHP Canada visit www.vhpcanada.ca
Contact us at: [email protected]
For donations please etransfer to: [email protected]