'Backed By Political Clout': Pro-Khalistan graffiti defaces Gurdwara and Temple in Canada, MP Arya condemns extremists

Pro-Khalistan graffiti was sprayed on a gurdwara in Vancouver and a temple in Surrey, drawing widespread condemnation from Canadian organisations and officials. MP Chandra Arya condemned the extremists, describing them as “well-funded and backed by significant political clout.”

The two sites targeted were the Khalsa Diwan Society (Ross Street Gurdwara) in Vancouver and the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. Leaders from the Khalsa Diwan Society stated that the act was carried out by “a small group of Sikh Separatists advocating for Khalistan.”

The statement condemned the defacement as part of a larger campaign by extremist groups seeking to divide and instill fear within the Canadian Sikh community. “A small group of Sikh Separatists advocating for Khalistan defaces our sacred wall with divisive slogans,” the society said. “This act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seem to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community.”

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.Read our press release on the heels of a disturbing act, by cowardly people. Let's stand united against fanaticismpic.twitter.com/J6XwEHsuyA
Khalsa Diwan Society (@kdsross) April 19, 2025

The statement further emphasised that such actions undermine the core values of inclusivity, respect, and mutual support, which are fundamental to both Sikhism and Canadian society. It urged Canadians to stand united against extremism.

The Vancouver Sun reported that the police are investigating the incident, with Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that an investigation is underway, though no arrests have been made.

A video showing the defaced walls of the gurdwara was shared by the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, which strongly condemned the vandalism. On X, the organisation wrote, “We strongly condemn the vandalism of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in BC by Khalistani extremists. This act of Hindu phobia has no place in Canada.”

MP Arya also condemned the act, noting that attacks on Hindu temples had been ongoing for years. “This latest graffiti on the Hindu temple is yet another chilling reminder of the growing influence of Khalistani extremism,” he stated. He also called these elements “well-organised, well-funded, and backed by significant political clout,” warning of their increasing dominance in Canada.

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.Well-organized, well-funded, and backed by significant political clout, https://t.co/0WfQdGgoNmChandra Arya (@AryaCanada) April 20, 2025

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNACanada) expressed solidarity with both the Sikh and Hindu communities, condemning the attack on the places of worship. The Ross Street Gurdwara, which had previously barred Khalistani groups from its Baisakhi parade, was defaced with the slogan “Khalistan Zindabad.”