USA (Commonwealth Union)_ A large and passionate gathering of Indian-Americans convened at Milpitas City Hall on Saturday to voice strong condemnation of extremist violence against Hindu communities in Canada and Bangladesh. The rally, organized by the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA), was attended by hundreds of community members, marking a powerful display of solidarity from the Bay Area’s significant Indian-American population, which exceeds 200,000. Recent attacks targeting Hindus in both Canada and Bangladesh, particularly the violent assault at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Ontario, sparked the gathering.
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Khalistani extremists allegedly carried out the attack during the Diwali festival on November 3. The assailants reportedly assaulted numerous worshippers, including men, women, and children, as they were celebrating the religious festival. Additionally, community leaders at the rally condemned the attack and called for international accountability, urging US officials to publicly denounce such human rights violations and press the governments of Canada and Bangladesh to ensure the protection of their minority populations. Pushpita Prasad, Chief Communications Officer of CoHNA, said, “The assault on innocent devotees in Canada has left the community deeply traumatized. We saw horrifying footage of Khalistani terrorists violently disrupting the temple during a peaceful celebration. The lack of protection for these vulnerable communities is unacceptable.”
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A key point of contention at the rally was the perceived inadequacy of the local law enforcement response in Brampton. Many attendees voiced concerns over the influence of Khalistani supporters within Canadian law enforcement agencies, with some suggesting that local authorities were compromised and unable to protect Hindu minorities. According to a rally statement, “What we witnessed was not freedom of expression but a dangerous escalation of violence. The Canadian government’s failure to protect minorities from such attacks has shattered our trust in their commitment to human rights.” Additionally, chants of “Stop Khalistani terrorism, protect Canadian minorities” and “Stop Islamist terrorism, protect Bangladeshi minorities” echoed through the crowd, signalling the rally’s unified stance against all forms of extremism. The rally also highlighted the rising threats posed by Sikh extremism, specifically the influence of groups such as Sikhs for Justice, which, though banned in India, operate freely in North America.
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As the rally continued, Dr. Ramesh Japra, a prominent member of the Americans for Hindus organization, emphasized the importance of solidarity among communities to combat extremism. Japra declared, “We are one world, one family, one future. It’s crucial that we unite against the forces of extremism that threaten the safety and peace of minority groups, whether in Canada, Bangladesh, or elsewhere.” Prasad further shared her concerns regarding the targeting of CoHNA’s team by Khalistani supporters, underscoring the global reach of such extremist groups. She stated, “We are seeing a dangerous transnational threat. These forces undermine the very fabric of peaceful coexistence”.
The rally concluded with a call to action for US policymakers to take a firm stance against extremism. Organizers urged American leaders to pressure their counterparts in Canada and Bangladesh to prioritize the safety of their minority communities and to take stronger action against religious intolerance and violence. As Silicon Valley remains a hub for Indian-American culture and business, the rally served as a poignant reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to human rights protection and the fight against extremism in North America. Additionally, the Indian-American population, with its rich cultural heritage and growing political influence, continues to advocate for peace, justice, and the safety of all minority communities both locally and globally.
