In yet another troubling episode in Canada’s ongoing struggle with extremist elements, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey has become the latest victim of vandalism — barely hours after a Gurdwara in Vancouver was defaced with Khalistan-related graffiti. These back-to-back incidents have alarmed community leaders and exposed a disturbing pattern of provocation and division, primarily spearheaded by pro-Khalistan groups.
The temple’s spokesperson, Parshotam Goel, was clear in his message to the media: “This is not a coincidence; this was done in a planned way. Somebody is trying to intimidate us.” According to Goel, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir has long stood as a symbol of unity between Sikh and Hindu communities in Canada. Its targeting, right after the desecration of a Gurdwara, seems aimed at disrupting that very harmony.
I went to the Lakshmi Mandir in Surrey that was vandalized last night by Khalistanis. This is the 3rd time it has been vandalized.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) April 20, 2025
I spoke to management and the devotees and they do not feel like the police or the political establishment cares at all. pic.twitter.com/xfppoSTHf4
This is not an isolated incident. In fact, it’s the latest entry in a disturbing timeline of temple desecrations — each incident dripping with the toxic ink of Khalistani ideology.
A Pattern of Hate, Not Faith
This wave of hate-fueled vandalism dates back years. In July 2024, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was defaced with Hinduphobic and anti-Modi graffiti. In September 2023, anti-India slogans reading “Punjab is not India” were smeared across the walls of the Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Society in Surrey. A few months earlier, in February 2023, a Ram temple in Mississauga met the same fate.
The infamous desecration of the Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton in January 2023 saw the walls emblazoned with “Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad.” This wasn’t merely the act of misguided youth or unknown miscreants — it bore the stamp of an orchestrated campaign, reportedly linked to the banned extremist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
And the story goes further back. In September 2022, Toronto’s BAPS Swaminarayan Temple was attacked in much the same fashion. That same year, six Hindu temples in Toronto were targeted in February alone.
Divide and Rule 2.0?
What emerges from this series of attacks is not just a pattern of vandalism — but a clear attempt to fracture the social fabric of Canada’s vibrant and diverse South Asian communities. These extremists do not represent the Sikh community, the vast majority of whom stand for peace, coexistence, and shared heritage with their Hindu brethren.
Yet, Khalistani sympathizers continue to hijack public spaces with their divisive slogans and hate speech, all under the guise of political expression. But let’s be clear: This isn’t activism. This is intimidation.
Canada, known globally for its multiculturalism and pluralistic values, must act decisively. These are not just property crimes — they are hate crimes. And hate must never be given a place to flourish under the pretense of free speech.
It’s time to see through the chaos. The Khalistan agenda thrives not on unity or progress, but on ruckus and rupture. And if left unchecked, it threatens not just temples, but the very spirit of Canadian harmony.
