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A heightened police presence was observed outside the Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver on Monday, following an act of vandalism that occurred overnight on Saturday.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, which manages the Sikh temple, reported that this incident marks the first time in its history that such offensive slogans have appeared on their property.
Among the graffiti was a phrase translated as “death to,” which has raised significant concern in the community.
“This act of vandalism did not occur in a small-town gurdwara. We recall similar messages from past times of racism,” remarked Jagdeep Singh Sanghera, vice-president of the Khalsa Diwan Society. “To witness this on Canadian soil in the present day is truly devastating and deeply shocking.”
The Vancouver police have not announced any arrests but stated they have obtained security footage that may be released later. This video reportedly captures the suspects arriving in a vehicle around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday and defacing the gurdwara’s walls.
Potential Hate Crime Investigation
“This is a reprehensible act of vandalism that we are investigating as a potential hate crime,” explained Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison. “Our Major Crimes Section is currently leading the investigation.”
On the same morning, the Surrey Police Service is looking into analogous vandalism at a Hindu temple. The suspects in that incident were also recorded on surveillance cameras.
“We felt both shocked and angry,” said Vinay Sharma from the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society. “Two individuals targeted our temple, spraying the main Mandir sign with messages related to Khalistan.”
In recent months, Sikhs in the Lower Mainland have reported a rise in tensions, with incidents of intimidation during the 2024 Vancouver Vaisakhi celebration and online threats directed at priests associated with the Khalsa Diwan Society. Community leaders suspect the recent vandalism is linked to a small faction of religious extremists, with some within the Sikh community attributing the act to pro-Khalistan separatists and Hindu leaders denouncing it as a manifestation of hate.
“While we do not wish to single out any groups, it’s clear that the individuals responsible must have extreme views since such actions at a place of worship are entirely unacceptable,” noted Sanghera. “Their goal seems to be to sow discord within the community, but we will not allow that to happen.”
The incidents have prompted a remarkable show of unity between the two religious communities. “If we fail to condemn these acts, they will only perpetuate and escalate,” Sharma added.
In response to the vandalism, Vancouver police have deployed additional officers at the gurdwara and are actively canvassing the area for further security footage.
Source
globalnews.ca