NEW DELHI: A day after India reacted sharply to the “so-called Khalistan referendum” in Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday advised its nationals in that country to remain vigilant in view of a spurt in hate crimes against Hindus, including attacks on temples, and anti-India activities.
“There has been a sharp increase in incident of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have requested for an investigation and also bring the perpetrators to book,” a statement by the MEA read.
Indian nationals working in Canada, students and tourists from India have been advised to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in, the ministry said.
Confirming the rise in hate crimes against Indians, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya said, “Antisocial elements in the recent past have engaged in acts of sacrilege and vandalism against Hindu places of worship. Unidentified miscreants sprayed graffiti praising Khalistan separatist movements and vandalised the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and Vishnu Mandir in Toronto.”