Allegations of Khalistani incitement at Hindu temples in Canada

April 8, 2026

Ottawa: The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has strongly condemned the protests being carried out by Khalistani extremists outside Hindu temples in Canada. The organization described it as a “pattern of incitement and intimidation.”

According to CoHNA, these protests occurred outside temples in Brampton and Surrey on April 5th when a large number of devotees had arrived for worship on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

Allegations of mistreatment of devotees
The organization alleged that devotees visiting the temples were harassed despite a buffer zone established by the police.

CoHNA said that protesters displayed offensive posters and shouted loud and vulgar slogans in front of children, creating a tense atmosphere.

Concerns over religious freedom
CoHNA stated that crowd control alone cannot be considered security. The organization’s Canada president, Rishabh Sarswat, said that it is not right to advise worshippers to avoid the situation.

He said that the right to visit religious places without fear should be ensured, and the administration should take concrete steps in this direction.

Emphasis on the autonomy of temples
The organization also stated that Hindu temples are independent institutions and have the full right to decide who they invite or what activities they organize.

CoHNA cited the example of the Triveni Temple in Brampton, saying that it is founded and operated by the Caribbean Hindu community, making it clear that linking it to any state is wrong.