New Delhi: A gurdwara in Canada’s Vancouver was vandalised on Saturday with pro-Khalistan has been linked into the incident. According to a report by Vancouver Sun, the local police was carrying investigation against the graffiti sprayed at the Ross Street Gurudwara.
Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said there wasn’t any suspect for police, as per the media report.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, which looks after the functioning of the Ross Street Gurdwara, accused a section of Sikh separatists in support of Khalistan behind the vandalism. It said that an attempt was made to instill fear in the Sikh society in Canada.
“This act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seem to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community,” the society said in a statement, as quoted by Vancouver Sun.
“Their actions undermine the values of inclusivity, respect, and mutual support that are foundational to both Sikhism and to Canadian society,” it said, urging Canadians to stand strong in the face of extremism.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Gurdwara management’s Joginder Sunner said the vandalism took place between midnight and 3 am on Saturday.
The gurdawara was established in 1906. Last week, there was a Baisakhi parade organised on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna – a day which symbolises the strength, unity, and resilience of Sikhs. The prohibition of pro-Khalistan groups in participating in the event is deemed as a potential reason for the recent vandalism.
