A significant gathering of Indian-Americans in Silicon Valley came together at Milpitas City Hall on Saturday to condemn recent acts of extremism targeting minority communities in Canada and Bangladesh. The rally, attended by hundreds from the Bay Area’s substantial Indian-American population of over 200,000, underscored the community’s call for international accountability and stronger protections against extremist violence.
Prominent community leaders addressed the assembly, highlighting the recent violent attacks at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada. The incident, carried out by Khalistani extremists, resulted in the assault of numerous individuals attending the Diwali festival. Leaders urged U.S. officials to publicly denounce these human rights violations and to pressure both Canadian and Bangladeshi governments to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable minority populations.
Hindus in Brampton, Ont., say Peel Regional Police aren’t protecting them, with recent violence outside a Hindu temple bringing built-up distress to a boiling point.
The attack on the Hindu Sabha temple during Diwali weekend on Nov. 3 “really shocked the community,” says Pushpita Prasad, chief communications officer for the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA). “It has left us traumatized.”
Discrimination by @PeelPolice:
— CohheOfficial (@CohheOfficial) November 14, 2024
Judge for yourself. One video shows Khalistani protesters wielding huge 12 foot flag poles and using them to beat Hindus, while entering Mandir private property. They were not arrested and their flag poles were not confiscated by @PeelPolice at the… pic.twitter.com/ykryAeQC1y
Participants voiced their frustration over what they described as inadequate responses to the Brampton attack. A media release from the rally stated, “We saw videos of the Khalistani terrorists invading the temple premises and beating up men, women, and children. It was horrible to see devotees being hounded by those goons.” The rally saw chants such as “Stop Khalistani terrorism, protect Canadian minorities” and “Stop Islamist terrorism, protect Bangladeshi minorities,” reflecting a unified stance against all forms of extremist violence.
The community expressed particular concern over allegations that local law enforcement in Canada may be compromised, with reports suggesting infiltration by Khalistani supporters. “Freedom of violence is being dressed up as freedom of expression in Canada. We have lost all faith in the Trudeau government in protecting the basic human rights of minorities,” the release continued, highlighting deep mistrust in the current administration’s ability to safeguard vulnerable groups.
Dr. Ramesh Japra of Americans for Hindus addressed the crowd, emphasizing solidarity and collective responsibility. “We are one world, one family, one future,” he declared, calling for unified action against extremist factions that threaten communal harmony and peace.
Pushpita Prasad from the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) also spoke out, sharing her concerns about the targeting and profiling of her team in Canada by members of Sikhs for Justice—a group banned in India but operating openly in the U.S. and Canada. Her remarks underscored the transnational challenges posed by extremist organizations and the need for coordinated efforts to counter their influence.
The rally concluded with a strong message urging U.S. policymakers to take a firm stance against extremism and to support international measures that protect minority communities from violence and discrimination. The Indian-American community in Silicon Valley remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, both locally and globally, advocating for justice and human rights in the face of rising extremist threats.
As the Bay Area continues to be a hub for Indian-American culture and business, the solidarity shown at Milpitas City Hall reflects a broader commitment to combating extremism and promoting peace and security for all minority groups worldwide.
