Eminent Indian-Americans Condemn Hate Speech and Threats Against Hindus in Canada

Eminent Indian-Americans Condemn Hate Speech and Threats Against Hindus in Canada. Image/PTI

VoM News Desk | September 29, 2023 | 12:31 PM IST | Breaking News, India, World | Follow on Google News

Eminent Indian-Americans Condemn Hate Speech and Threats Against Hindus in Canada

Eminent Indian-Americans Condemn Hate Speech and Threats Against Hindus in Canada

A group of prominent Indian-Americans has expressed deep concern over the rise of hateful comments and a hostile environment against Hindus in Canada. They have urged the Canadian government not to confuse freedom of expression with freedom from terror and not to tacitly endorse hate crimes by remaining silent on this issue.

The demand by Indian-Americans came after an offensive video from a pro-Khalistan group threatening Hindus in Canada to leave the country went viral.

Condemnation of Hinduphobia and Khalistani Threats

Professor Indu Vishwanathan, co-founder and co-director of Understanding Hinduphobia at the Hindu University of America, expressed concern about Khalistani terrorists repeatedly threatening Hindu Canadians and desecrating Hindu sacred spaces on Canadian soil. She emphasized that silence or justifying such acts as an acceptable form of political expression amounts to the endorsement of hate crimes.

Call for Diplomacy and Action

Khanderao Kand, from the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), called upon Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not to mix freedom of expression with freedom for terror. Instead, he urged the government to address issues such as radicalization and drug gangs and to diplomatically handle international situations.

Background and Canadian Government Response

The offensive Khalistani video emerged following Trudeau’s allegations on September 18th, suggesting the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil in June 2023. India vehemently rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.” While the Canadian government has asserted that acts of aggression, hate, intimidation, or incitement of fear have no place in Canada, there has been no action taken against anyone in connection with the offensive video.

Urgent Appeal to US Authorities

Dr. Sampath Shivangi, Chair of Government Affairs at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, appealed to US President Joe Biden and the US Congress to intervene and convey a message to Canada to protect Canadian Indians, Hindus, and thousands of Indian students from these threats.

Assessing the Risk of Spillover

Concerns about this hatred spilling over into the US were addressed by Bharat Barai, a prominent Indian-American leader based in Chicago. He expressed doubt that such spillover would occur but emphasized the importance of remaining calm and vigilant.

Distinguishing Hate Radicals from Sikhism

Sukhi Chahal, Chief Editor of Khalsa Today, made a clear distinction between hateful radicals and Sikhism. He emphasized the unity of all humanity as taught by Sikh Gurus and stated that statements like the one made by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice, do not represent true Sikh values. Chahal called for unity, harmony, and respect among all communities.

Addressing the Thin Line Between Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech

Sri Iyer, editor of the PGurus portal, a US-based media company, underscored the thin line between freedom of speech and hate speech. He criticized Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for crossing that line when he threatened Hindu Canadians.

VoM News Desk

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