Lara Zijl 
A Hindu temple in Surrey, British Columbia, has been targeted by vandals for the third time, sparking outrage and calls for stronger action from authorities.
The Lakshmi Mandir was defaced overnight on Sunday, with perpetrators reportedly spray-painting graffiti and stealing a security camera. Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman, who visited the temple, shared a video on X detailing the incident and highlighting the community’s growing frustration. “The community is upset, and they also don’t feel like the political class is going to do anything, and they don’t feel like the police are on their side,” Bordman stated in the video. He also reported similar acts of vandalism at the Ross Gurudwara in Vancouver.
This latest attack follows a pattern of escalating incidents targeting Hindu and Sikh religious sites across British Columbia. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce issued a strong condemnation of the vandalism, stating, “This act of #Hinduphobia has no place in Canada. We urge swift action & ask all Canadians to stand united against hate. Silence is not an option.”
The concerns extend beyond the immediate community. Chandra Arya, a Canadian Member of Parliament, urged both Hindu and Sikh communities to unite and demand decisive government action against Khalistani extremists. He described the attacks as a “chilling reminder” of the growing influence of these groups, noting their well-funded and organised nature. Arya highlighted the intimidation tactics employed, referencing the defacement of the Khalsa Diwan Society (Ross Street Gurudwara) in Vancouver with pro-Khalistan graffiti. He emphasised the need for immediate action, stating, “Silence is no longer an option.”
The repeated targeting of religious sites underscores a growing concern about the rise of extremism and the need for strengthened community safety measures and law enforcement responses. The incidents have ignited a debate about the effectiveness of current measures to combat hate crimes and protect religious institutions in Canada. The Hindu community, in particular, expresses a profound sense of vulnerability and a lack of support from political and law enforcement agencies. The ongoing situation necessitates a comprehensive review of security protocols and a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of these attacks. The silence surrounding these events must be broken, with decisive action taken to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities in Canada.
