A video of US-based Gurpatwant Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) asking Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada raised concerns last week.
Amid a massive diplomatic row between India and Canada, Pannun’s video emerged where he is seen saying, “Indo-Canadian Hindus, you have repudiated your allegiance to Canada and Canadian constitution. Your destination is India. Leave Canada, go to India,” Pannun said in the 45-second video clip.
“Pro-Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada. They have always sided with Canada and have [upheld] the laws and the constitution,” Pannun said.
Public Safety Canada on Platform X acknowledged the circulation of such video and wrote, “There is no place in Canada for hate. The circulation of an online video in which Hindu Canadians are told to leave Canada is offensive and hateful and is an affront to all Canadians and the values we hold dearly. Acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear have no place in this country and only serve to divide us. We urge all Canadians to respect one another and follow the rule of law. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities.”
Canadian MP Chandra Arya said, “I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack. I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant. Please report any incident of Hinduphobia to your local law enforcement agencies.”
Canadian Hindus and Sikhs are connected through family relationships and shared social and cultural ties, he added. “Canada has high moral values and we fully uphold the rule of law. I can’t understand how glorification of terrorism or a hate crime targeting a religious group is allowed in the name of freedom of speech and expression,” he said.
