Two major Hindu temples in Canada are in discussions with authorities over security arrangements after pro-Khalistan groups called for rallies outside their premises on Sunday.
The call for the “Khalistan Zindabad” rallies was issued by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The locations identified include Triveni Mandir in Brampton, part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia.
Yudhishthir Dhanrajh, spiritual leader of Triveni Mandir, told Hindustan Times that officers from Peel Regional Police (PRP) have met temple management and assured them of a continuous police presence on the day. He said police also confirmed enforcement of Brampton’s 100-metre bylaw, which prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres of a place of worship.
The bylaw was adopted by the Brampton city council in late 2024, days after pro-Khalistan protesters violently entered the Hindu Sabha Mandir on November 3, 2024. Sunday’s rally is expected to be the first major test of the regulation.
Dhanrajh said the announcement of the rally caused “confusion and dismay” among devotees.
“We’re very annoyed. This amounts to harassment. Devotees become anxious when they hear about such events,” he said, adding that the temple will continue its regular schedule, including its weekly satsang and daily darshan.
In Surrey, Satish Kumar, president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, said the temple is seeking a court order to restrict demonstrations within a specified distance of its premises, noting that the city lacks a bylaw similar to Brampton’s. He said temple authorities are coordinating with local police on security measures for April 5.
{{/usCountry}}In Surrey, Satish Kumar, president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, said the temple is seeking a court order to restrict demonstrations within a specified distance of its premises, noting that the city lacks a bylaw similar to Brampton’s. He said temple authorities are coordinating with local police on security measures for April 5.
{{/usCountry}}Ragini Sharma, a member of PRP’s Interim Hindu Advisory Committee, said law enforcement has assured community representatives that “appropriate steps” will be taken to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), through its “Hands Off Our Temples” campaign, has urged the federal government to designate Canada-based Khalistan extremists (CBKEs) as terrorist entities. The term was used by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) in its 2024 annual report to Parliament, which stated that although no CBKE-related attacks occurred in Canada in 2024, continued involvement in violent activities by such actors remains a national security concern.
SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun has said the planned rallies are being conducted “fully within the framework of constitutional freedoms.”