Ottawa, April 3 (NationPress) Multiple global Hindu advocacy groups have firmly denounced the Khalistani extremist organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for its call to organize protests outside Hindu temples in Canada. The organizations voiced concerns regarding possible disruptions and called upon authorities to guarantee the safety and security of these religious sites and their communities.

The SFJ has announced plans for “Khalistan Zindabad” rallies on April 5, targeting the Triveni Mandir in Brampton and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey to voice opposition against the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF).

The HCF has responded by condemning the scheduled protests, asserting that “singling out the Hindu community due to its ancient connection to India or its indigenous cultural identity is a clear case of xenophobia and Hinduphobia.”

It urged the Canadian police to ensure round-the-clock security at temple premises and for worshippers on April 5, especially considering the SFJ's track record of “violent and extremist actions.”

In a similar vein, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has also expressed significant disapproval of SFJ's plans to protest outside Hindu temples, highlighting the extremist group’s history of violence, including a notable “medieval-style” attack on Hindu worshippers and temple invasions on November 3, 2024.

The organization pointed out that Hindu devotees visiting temples for prayer and spiritual solace have frequently faced loud and abusive protests at temple entrances, along with “violent imagery, glorification of terrorism, and verbal harassment.”

“This is merely religious intolerance and targeted harassment disguised as ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘political expression.’ It’s important to note that the HCF also has the right to free speech, and threatening physical protests against an entire community to silence a single organization undermines the fundamental Canadian principle of fairness,” CoHNA stated.

CoHNA also expressed solidarity with the HCF's right to voice their lawful opinions regarding the Khalistan movement without fear of intimidation or physical harassment.

Furthermore, CoHNA appreciated the Peel Regional Police's commitment to enforce Brampton’s 'Protecting Places of Worship from Public Nuisance Demonstrations By-law.' They acknowledged that by creating a 100-meter safety zone around Triveni Mandir, Canadian authorities have recognized that the right to free expression does not extend to physically or psychologically besieging a congregation.

The organization urged Surrey Police and local authorities to take prompt action to implement similar protective measures for Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.