In a recent development, India has voiced its dissatisfaction regarding the continued vandalization of temples and the display of anti-India posters in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Notably, a significant temple located in Surrey, British Columbia, experienced an act of vandalism, where anti-India and pro-Khalistan posters were affixed to its front gate and rear wall.

According to recent reports, India has expressed deep concern over a series of incidents involving temple vandalization and the display of anti-India posters in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Notably, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia was targeted in these incidents.

These posters prominently feature Indian public officials, including the country's High Commissioner to Ottawa and two union ministers. While the previous posters displayed India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and its Consul Generals in Toronto and Vancouver, the latest ones showcase External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah. The posters, which included the word 'Wanted,' were placed at various locations in Surrey, and videos capturing their placement circulated on social media.

Videos shared online also indicated that other temples in the Metro Vancouver region were targeted, including the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the Sri Venkateshwara Mahavishnu Temple, and the Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Temple. It's important to note that while the incident at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir was confirmed, verification of the occurrences at the other three temples was pending. Social media posts used the hashtag #HindusUnderAttack to highlight these incidents.

Indian officials have strongly condemned these posters, deeming them "unacceptable" as they target public officials from India. These incidents occurred just days before the scheduled voting for the Khalistan Referendum in Surrey on September 10, an event organized by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). These posters also make reference to the alleged "assassination" of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18.

Nijjar, a prominent figure associated with the SFJ in British Columbia, was killed in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Singh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey. While SFJ has attributed his death to India, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) investigating the case has not assigned a motive as they continue their search for the perpetrators.

Image source: HT