In recent years, pro-Khalistani elements in Canada have tried to sow seeds of hatred between the Hindu and Sikh communities. One such incident occurred on November 3, 2024, when Khalistani elements attacked Hindus at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada. Videos of the attack, including one in which Peel Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi was seen participating in the protest while holding a Khalistani flag, went viral. Sohi’s actions were widely condemned, as he was seen expressing support for the Khalistanis. The incident, which saw Khalistani extremists attacking peaceful Hindus, resulted in widespread concern about the safety of the Hindu community in Canada.
In the midst of recent propaganda by Khalistani extremists, the unity between the Hindu and Sikh communities, seen across the world, is a big setback to these extremists forces. On November 10, 2024, in response to this growing violence and extremism, members of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum had organised a protest outside the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. The protest, included over 1,200 members of the Sikh and Hindu communities, condemned the violence at the Brampton temple and demanded action against the criminals responsible for the attacks. The protestors, including prominent leaders like Prof Harjinder Kaur and Retd. Brigadier PS Gothra, emphasised that the Hindu and Sikh communities have a shared history of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Marwah further emphasised, “A true Sikh can never be a Khalistani. If they want a separate nation, they should keep it to themselves. We want our tricolour and our country respected. India’s Sikhs stand with India and do not support Khalistan.”
The Hindu Sikh Global Forum’s protest was not only a call for justice but also a powerful affirmation of the long-standing unity between these two communities. The leaders of the Forum expressed deep concern over separatist forces attempting to divide Hindus and Sikhs. The protestors reminded everyone that Sikh Gurus and Maharaja Ranjit Singh always promoted unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, temples and gurdwaras that were open to all.
The Forum also submitted a memorandum to the Indian Ambassador to Canada, demanding an immediate investigation and swift action against the criminals involved in the incident.
In the memorandum submitted to the Ambassador, the protesters condemned the violence that took place near a temple in Brampton, Canada, on November 4, 2024, which has caused significant distress and fear among Hindu and Sikh communities worldwide. Inspired by Guru Tegh Bahadur, who sacrificed his life in 1675 while defending the right to wear the “Janjoo,” and who is revered as “Tilak Janjoo ka Rakha,” they recognized the emphasis on unity and coexistence in their history. Sikh Gurus, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and others promoted harmony by establishing temples and gurdwaras for their devotees and the public.
The forum also called for immediate action against those responsible for the attacks and warned against the growing influence of separatist elements within the Canadian political landscape. The forum’s leaders are clear in their message: they will not tolerate attempts to divide Hindus and Sikhs. As they have demonstrated in their protest and their solidarity efforts, both communities will continue to stand together, as brothers, to defend their shared values. In another instance of solidarity, on November 5, over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton to protest against the repeated attacks on Hindu temples in the country, a day after the temple was attacked by Khalistani extremists. The organisers of the solidarity rally pressed Canadian politicians and law enforcement agencies to not give further support to Khalistanis.
Moreover, this unity was reinforced when the Sikh and Hindu communities, under the banner of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), came together to help victims of floods in Valencia, Spain. Hindu and Sikh Swayamsevaks from around the world collaborated, providing food and emergency supplies to those affected by the natural disaster. This gesture of solidarity is a stark contrast to the divisive actions of pro-Khalistani extremists and highlights the strength of the bond between Hindus and Sikhs worldwide.
