In a deeply disturbing recurrence, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was vandalised for the third time late Sunday night with pro-Khalistan graffiti, raising renewed alarm among Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. Journalist Daniel Bordman, who visited the site, described the scene as “chilling” and voiced concern over the authorities’ and political establishment’s lack of action.
“When I got there, the graffiti was already painted over, but broken glass was still there… Khalistan slogans had been written… and a security camera was reportedly stolen,” Bordman said in a video on X.
Wider Pattern of Targeted Attacks
Bordman also revealed that a Gurdwara in Vancouver — the Khalsa Diwan Society (Ross Street Gurdwara) — was also defaced around the same time with similar Khalistani messaging, suggesting a coordinated act of extremism rather than an isolated incident.
The vandalism, reportedly carried out by two individuals around 3 AM, included the theft of security surveillance equipment, raising questions about temple safety and police response protocols. Critics, including some devotees, questioned why graffiti was removed before the police had a chance to fully assess the site, potentially compromising the investigation.
MP Chandra Arya Urges Joint Hindu-Sikh Action
In a forceful statement, Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned the attacks and warned of rising Khalistani extremism:
“This latest attack is another chilling reminder of how serious the threat has become. It’s time for Hindu and Sikh Canadians to come together and demand urgent action. Silence is no longer an option,” Arya posted on X.
He highlighted how both Hindu temples and Sikh institutions are being targeted — not just to vandalise property but to incite fear, division, and community discord.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, in its press release, also denounced the act, calling it a deliberate provocation aimed at disrupting Canada’s multi-faith social fabric:
“A few extremists are trying to hijack the sacrifices of our elders and the unity they helped build,” the society said.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Vancouver Police Department has initiated an investigation into the Ross Street Gurdwara vandalism, and authorities in Surrey are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting evidence from the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir incident. However, no arrests have been made so far.
This incident marks yet another alarming episode in a series of attacks on religious sites across Canada, where communities are now demanding urgent, concrete action to preserve peace, safety, and interfaith harmony.