Some tough questions were raised for government and law enforcement officers at a press conference organized by Surrey’s Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The press conference was organized by the Lakshmi Narayan Temple on April 23 to condemn the desecration of places of worship in a single day — the temple itself and the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver on April 19.
The April 19 attacks, which coincided with Surrey’s Vaisakhi Parade, left disturbing graffiti on the temple and gurdwara walls, including slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Kill Modi,” written in both English and Punjabi. A similar act of vandalism was also reported by temple authorities at the Mata Bhameshwari Temple, the same day.
While the conference began with a unified message of condemnation and a vow of support from municipal and provincial leaders, a heated debate started when members of the community raised difficult questions. Concerns were voiced over what some described as the government’s “lukewarm” response to inflammatory slogans and imagery — including floats used in Surrey Vaisakhi Parade depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi behind bars.
There were also calls for clarity on how far freedom of speech may go when it borders on incitement. Chief Lipinski acknowledged the legal challenges involved. “There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. But vandalism crosses that line, and we will act accordingly.”
Several speakers from the temple noted the growing frustration within communities over perceived inaction in the face of repeated provocations. “There’s growing frustration over repeated provocations and the lack of decisive action,” said one temple spokesperson. “It seems like the pot boils over time and again, and yet, little is done until it spills.”
However, Surrey City, Surrey police and the province sent a loud and clear message – they do not favour any ideology, and are against any act threatening the public to attend places of worship in their community.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski, Surrey Police officer Jag Khosa, Province’s Attorney General Niki Sharma, Surrey city Counselor and member of police board Rob Stutt, management of Lakshmi Narayan temple and Ross Street Gurdwara were all present at the conference to show their support to both Hindu and Sikh community and unanimously condemn the act.
The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of April 19 — the day of Surrey’s Vaisakhi Parade — have sent ripples of concern through both the Hindu and Sikh communities. Surrey Temple authorities informed that the same act of vandalism was carried out on walls of Mata Bhameshwari Temple too on the same day.
Vancouver Police released images of a vehicle and two people who were outside the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara on Ross Street when it was vandalized and is asking anyone who recognizes them to contact police.
Temple president Satish Kumar said, “In addition to the vandalism, the temple’s security camera was stolen, clearly indicating an intentional and malicious act. This deeply troubling incident is not only a hate crime/ criminal offense, but also a direct attack on a sacred space that serves as a spiritual, cultural, and communal hub for many local families — including seniors and children. Such actions have no place in our society and strike at the very heart of our values of respect, inclusion, and peace. We strongly condemn this act of hate and call upon law enforcement to investigate this matter with utmost urgency.”
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke stood firmly in support of religious harmony, stating, “Without question, Surrey is a safe city — but it must feel safe. Places of worship are sanctuaries; such hateful acts strike at the heart of our peace and unity. This city will not tolerate divisive actions, and we will use every tool at our disposal to identify and prosecute the culprits.”
Echoing her sentiments, Police Chief Norm Lipinski assured the public that the investigation is being handled with urgency. “Even minor vandalism deserves a full response — and this is far from minor. A special team has been assigned to the case and we are working closely with the Vancouver Police Department. We urge anyone with information to contact us or Crime Stoppers.”
Attorney General Niki Sharma described the events as heartbreaking. “Three places of worship in one day — it was an attack not just on buildings, but on the very fabric of our multicultural society. These temples and gurdwaras are not just places of prayer — they are community hubs, offering language classes, yoga sessions, and support for all ages. An attack on them is an attack on us all.”
The temple secretary Vinay Sharma believes the vandalism is part of an effort to scare people and foment hostility. “We are mature enough as Hindus and Sikhs that we do not fight with each other,” Sharma said. “We know these people just want to divide and create a rift.”
From the Ross Street Gurdwara, leaders of the Khalsa Diwan Society reaffirmed their commitment to communal peace. “Our society was built by Hindu and Sikh pioneers — hand in hand. These vandals seek to divide what generations have united. Their hatred is not welcome here.”
“The act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instill fear and division within the Canadian Sikh Community. Their actions undermine the values of inclusivity, respect, and mutual support that are foundation to both Sikhism and Canadian society,” said Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, general secretary, Khalsa Diwan Society.
