In a decisive move to counteract divisive extremist agendas, representatives from 30 gurdwaras and Hindu mandirs across British Columbia have banded together to form a united alliance. This collaborative effort serves as a robust rebuttal to the recent attempts by fringe Khalistan elements to sow discord within the community.
On Saturday, nearly 60 delegates gathered at the historic Ross Street Gurdwara, home to the Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS), in Vancouver to solidify their commitment to communal harmony. The assembly, held under the banner of the United Sikhs and Hindus Association of North America, marked a significant milestone in fostering unity between Sikh and Hindu communities.
A pivotal resolution passed during the meeting emphasized the unwavering commitment to Hindu-Sikh solidarity and mandated that no protests be permitted within the vicinity of any gurdwara or temple. This directive aims to preserve the sanctity and peace of these sacred spaces, ensuring they remain havens free from the disruptions of extremist agitators.
Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, the former president of KDS, was elected to chair the newly formed 20-member core committee responsible for steering the association’s initiatives. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Dhaliwal asserted, “We want peace. We will condemn terrorism, whether it’s by Khalistanis or even Hindus creating a problem in the future.” His remarks underscored the association’s dual commitment to denouncing violence from all sources and reinforcing communal bonds.
Joginder Sunner, another key member of the core committee, highlighted the unanimous support for unity in the resolutions passed. “We’re talking to the province and city councils to create buffer zones,” Sunner explained, reinforcing the proactive measures being taken to prevent violent disruptions. “We don’t want violence in the community,” he added, reflecting the collective desire for a harmonious coexistence.
The initiative, which currently encompasses 24 Sikh societies and six Hindu groups—including the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey—plans to extend its reach beyond British Columbia to other Canadian provinces and the United States. This expansion aims to create a broader network of united communities committed to peace and mutual respect.
The urgency for such unity was amplified by a series of violent incidents orchestrated by pro-Khalistan factions. Notably, on November 3, radical extremists attacked the Hindu Sabha Mandir in the Greater Toronto Area, triggering counter-protests at the Malton Gurdwara and resulting in multiple arrests. In response, KDS Vancouver secured an injunction prohibiting protests within 50 meters of their gurdwara, a measure later mirrored by the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Toronto during their consular camp on November 30.
These coordinated efforts by mainstream Sikh and Hindu leaders signal a clear rejection of extremist narratives and a steadfast commitment to preserving communal harmony. By standing united, these communities deliver a powerful message: extremist factions like the Khalistan movement remain on the fringes, unable to disrupt the solidarity and peace championed by the majority.
As the United Sikhs and Hindus Association of North America continues to grow, its foundation of unity and resilience serves as a testament to the strength of these communities against divisive forces. This alliance not only safeguards their places of worship but also reinforces the broader societal commitment to peace, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
In an era where divisive elements seek to exploit differences, the collective action of these gurdwaras and mandirs stands as a resounding slap on the face of those who wish to undermine communal harmony. Their unified stance is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through solidarity and cooperation, communities can effectively counteract extremism and foster a peaceful coexistence for all.
