In a disturbing escalation of hate-fuelled vandalism, both a prominent Sikh gurdwara in Vancouver and a Hindu temple in Surrey were defaced with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti over the weekend, sparking widespread condemnation and a police probe.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, which manages the historic Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, said the act was carried out by a “small group of Sikh separatists”. The gurdwara’s exterior walls and parking lot were spray-painted with slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” and threats directed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 19 April, between midnight and 3 AM.
During Sikh Heritage Month & Khalsa Sanja Diwas – a time for celebration & unity – it is sad to see that elements of extremism continue to rear their ugly heads.
— Khalsa Diwan Society (@kdsross) April 19, 2025
Read our press release on the heels of a disturbing act, by cowardly people. Let's stand united against fanaticismpic.twitter.com/J6XwEHsuyA
“A group of unidentified men arrived in a truck and spray-painted the slogans on the gates and outer walls of the gurdwara,” said Joginder Sunner, a member of the management.
“It was a painful moment for our community.”
The vandalism came just days after the gurdwara hosted its annual Baisakhi Parade, a major event celebrating Sikh unity and resilience.
Notably, pro-Khalistan elements had been barred from attending this year’s parade—a move that some believe may have triggered the attack.
In a statement posted to Instagram, the Khalsa Diwan Society described the act as an attempt to “instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community”. It urged Canadians of all backgrounds to stand united against extremism and uphold the values of peace and respect.
Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent for The National Telegraph, visited the Ross Street Gurdwara following its vandalism and criticised Khalistani extremists for targeting Sikh institutions. “I went to the Ross Gurudwara today to check out the vandalism from last night’s Khalistani thugs,” Bordman said.
“The only people in Canada that attack Sikh places of worship are the Khalistanis, which is why most Sikhs are not Khalistani.”
Soon after, similar graffiti appeared at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, raising fears of a coordinated campaign. Temple spokesperson Parshotam Goel said the vandalism was a “deliberate attempt to intimidate and divide communities”.
“This is not a coincidence,” Goel said.
“Someone is trying to drive a wedge between Sikhs and Hindus in Canada, just when efforts are being made to promote unity.”
Canadian Liberal MP Chandra Arya has condemned the latest wave of vandalism targeting religious institutions, calling it a “chilling reminder” of the growing threat of Khalistani extremism in the country.
“The attacks on Hindu temples that began several years ago continue unabated today — this latest graffiti on the Hindu temple is yet another chilling reminder of the growing influence of Khalistani extremism.”
He warned that Khalistani elements are “well-organised, well-funded, and backed by significant political clout,” and are increasingly emboldened in their attempts to silence Hindu voices and intimidate moderate Sikh institutions.
Referring to the vandalism at the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, Arya highlighted that the same extremists had also targeted the gurdwara with pro-Khalistan graffiti. The gurdwara’s management had earlier stated:
“A small group of Sikh separatists, advocating for Khalistan, defaced our sacred walls with divisive slogans like ‘Khalistan Zindabad’. This act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community.”
Calling for unity, Arya urged Hindu and Sikh Canadians to speak out:
“It is time for the Hindu-Canadians, jointly with the vast majority of our Sikh-Canadian brothers and sisters, to rise with urgency and demand immediate, decisive action from authorities at all levels of government. Silence is no longer an option.”
Bordman also visited the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey and expressed deep concern over the lack of action and support from authorities.
“I went to the Lakshmi Mandir in Surrey that was vandalized last night by Khalistanis. This is the 3rd time it has been vandalized. I spoke to management and the devotees and they do not feel like the police or the political establishment cares at all.”
The Vancouver Police Department has launched an investigation. No suspects have been identified, and police have appealed to the public for information.
The incidents have sparked concern among diaspora communities and leaders, who are calling for stronger measures to combat extremist influence and protect places of worship.
“These acts of hate are not just an attack on religious institutions, but on the fabric of Canadian multiculturalism,” said a joint statement issued by local interfaith leaders.
“We must stand together against those who seek to divide us.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
