In a bold response to a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, prominent Hindu organizations in Canada have banned politicians from using temple premises for political purposes. The Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), the Hindu Federation, and several other Hindu advocacy groups joined temple leaders across the country to issue a unified statement on the matter. The ban follows an alarming incident on Sunday, when protestors reportedly gathered outside the Hindu Mahasabha Mandir, forced their way into the premises, and assaulted temple members and visitors. This act left the community feeling vulnerable and demanding immediate action from political leaders.
The statement from these Hindu organizations addressed growing security concerns within Canada’s Hindu community, which they say has faced an “increasing wave of violence” in recent years. The groups emphasized that despite their repeated appeals, Canadian political leaders have not implemented sufficient measures to counter the hostility that threatens the Hindu community’s sense of safety.
“Politicians are welcome to visit temples as devotees, but they will no longer be permitted to use our sacred spaces as platforms for political engagement until they take concrete steps to ensure our safety,” the joint statement declared. This directive, they say, is a move to protect the sanctity of Hindu temples while sending a strong message to political figures about the community’s growing frustration with the lack of protective measures against extremism.
Chief among the concerns raised by the organizations is the perceived silence and inaction from political leaders, despite previous attacks and intimidation against Hindu Canadians. The groups reiterated their call for accountability and security, asserting that safeguarding sacred spaces is essential to preserving the dignity and safety of all Canadians.
This decision reflects the Hindu community’s frustration and insistence on seeing tangible commitments to prevent such attacks in the future.