• Source:JND
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A well-known Sikh temple in Vancouver, the Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS) Gurdwara, more popularly referred to as the Ross Street Gurdwara was vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti in an alleged overnight attack. The attack has drawn broad condemnation from community leaders and coincides with heightened sensitivities over Sikh separatist activities in Canada.Founded in 1906, the Ross Street Gurdwara is among the oldest and most revered Sikh institutions in North America, a cornerstone of the cultural and religious life of Canadian Sikhs for more than a century.

Photos posted by the official gurdwara management depict the term "Khalistan" spray-painted in several places along the wall surrounding the parking lot of the temple. The incident was found on Saturday morning, which coincided with Surrey's world largest Vaisakhi parade.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has opened an investigation into the act of vandalism. Canadian media outlets report that the authorities are taking the incident seriously because of its potential to cause unrest in the multicultural society of the city. The timing of the incident has raised eyebrows, particularly because the Khalsa Diwan Society had organised its own Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver over the previous weekend, during which pro-Khalistan groups were specifically excluded from attending.

Khalsa Diwan Society Issues Strong Statement

Strongly denouncing the incident, the Khalsa Diwan Society 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 instill fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community.” The community added, “We mourn a painful moment in our community’s history as we gather to celebrate Khalsa Sajna Diwas—a day that symbolises the strength, unity, and resilience of Sikhs.” Emphasising its pledge to openness, the statement made "These extremists are undermining the dreams and sacrifices of our elders, who worked tirelessly to build a vibrant and inclusive community in a nation that celebrates freedom and diversity.”

KDS reaffirmed its commitment, saying, "Their actions seek to divide us, contrary to the unity and peace we hold dear as Canadians. We cannot and will not let these forces of division succeed.” Gurdwara spokesperson Jag Sanghera called the vandalism "extensive" in an interview with CTV News, calling on authorities to act quickly against the perpetrators.

Upcoming Canadian Federal Elections: Will Incidents Like This Sway Sikh and Indian-Origin Voters?

With the Canadian federal elections looming just days ahead, such events as the Ross Street Gurdwara vandalism might shape political attitudes among Sikh and Indian-origin voters. With community tensions bubbling up amid concerns about Khalistan extremism and Indo-Canadian relations, political parties might come under pressure to speak to issues of community safety, religious freedom, and cohesion. The voters will be closely paying attention to leaders' reactions to such polarising acts and if their policies live up to values of inclusion, peace, and security that appeal strongly to Canada's South Asian diaspora.