Toronto’s Swaminarayan temple vandalized with pro-Khalistan graffiti

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto. Photo: baps.org

Toronto (IANS/Voice): Toronto’s prominent BAPS Swaminarayan Temple was vandalized with pro-Khalistan graffiti on Wednesday. The graffiti read: “Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad.”

The Temple said in a statement on Thursday: “We are shocked and saddened by the anti-India graffiti at the gates of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, Canada by anti-social elements. The BAPS temple in Toronto, like all temples of BAPS worldwide, is an abode of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values.

“At this critical time, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has prayed for peace and unity and has appealed to all devotees and well-wishers to maintain peace.
“We are thankful to the appropriate authorities, including the governments of India and Canada, for their continued support and sympathy.
“Let us all join in worldwide prayers, in private and at home, that God blesses and guides us all to continue to do good and think good of all.”
Toronto Police told the media that a report has been filed and an investigation is taking place.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa tweeted: “We strongly condemn the defacing of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators.”

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a tweet: “I’m very saddened to hear of  the vandalism that occurred at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto. Hate has no place in our community. Places of worship should be a safe place for all.”

Expressing her outrage, Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu tweeted, “I am distraught by the act of vandalism that has taken place at the #BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto.

“We live in a multicultural and multi-faith community where everyone deserves to feel safe. Those responsible should be located to face the consequences of their actions.”

Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota tweeted: “The vandalism that has taken place at the @BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Etobicoke is disgusting and disrespectful. All faiths have the right to practice in Canada without intimidation or fear. The criminals behind this act should be punished.”

Chandra Arya, a prominent Hindu MP in the House of Commons, also tweeted to express his shock at the act of vandalism.

“Vandalism of Toronto BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir by Canadian Khalistani extremists should be condemned by all. This is not just an isolated event. Canadian Hindu temples have been targeted in the recent past by these kinds of hate crimes. Hindu Canadians are legitimately concerned,” Arya tweeted.