Indo-Canadian community organizations have expressed significant anger following a pro-Khalistan protest that targeted Hindus at the India Day Parade in Toronto. The parade, which celebrated India’s Independence Day, was disrupted by demonstrators from a pro-Khalistan group who chanted slogans such as “Canadian Hindus go back to India.”
The protest was part of a Khalistan Rally, and flyers circulated before the event called for a confrontation between “Khalistan Sikhs” and “Canadian Hindus.” The demonstration has drawn criticism from community groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Canadian Hindu Volunteers.
CoHNA’s Canadian unit condemned the protest, stating that such “blatant Hinduphobia” is often ignored by politicians. The group highlighted that similar anti-Hindu rhetoric at various events, including Hindu festivals and memorial services, has been used to harass and disrupt gatherings. They argued that if such rhetoric were directed at any other group, it would prompt immediate condemnation.
The Canadian Hindu Volunteers also expressed outrage, labeling the protest as “despicable” and calling for decisive action from Canadian authorities. They urged elected officials and law enforcement to address these hateful acts and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism.
Security at the India Day Parade, organized by Panorama India, was managed by Toronto Police, but the protest underscored ongoing tensions and concerns about safety for Hindu Canadians.
