Anti-Hindu frenzy of Khalistanis in Canada: Demand to deport 8 lakh Hindus, effigies of Modi-Shah paraded in jail

Toronto : Khalistani supporters in Toronto, Canada on Sunday took out an anti-Hindu rally near the Malton Gurudwara, demanding the deportation of 8 lakh Hindus from Canada to India. In this rally, effigies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were displayed like prisoners in a model of a prison. This incident is the latest example of growing communal tension and Khalistani activities in Canada. India has strongly objected to this and demanded strict action from the Canadian government. Let us analyze this controversial incident based on facts.

Controversial nature of the rally

The rally, held near the Malton Gurdwara in Toronto on May 4, 2025, saw Khalistani supporters shouting anti-Hindu slogans and demanding the “deportation” of 8 lakh Hindus living in Canada to India. A truck carrying a model prison was erected at the rally, with effigies of Modi, Shah, and Jaishankar dressed as prisoners. Videos showed protesters raising anti-India slogans and waving Khalistani flags. The rally was organised in the context of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, but targeted the Hindu community and the Indian leadership.

Canadian journalist Daniel Boardman called the event a threat to the social fabric. He wrote on X, “The Khalistani group demanded the deportation of 8 lakh Hindus, who have a vibrant community spread across the world. This is not a protest against the Indian government, but anti-Hindu hatred.”

India's strong reaction

India termed the rally as "outrageous and hateful" and demanded immediate action against Khalistani elements from the Canadian government. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi and lodged a protest, saying, "This is an act promoting hatred and extremism. Canada must rein in such elements." India has previously expressed concern over Khalistani activities in Canada, such as attacks on Hindu temples and anti-India protests.

History of Khalistani activities in Canada

Activities by pro-Khalistani groups in Canada have increased in recent years. Groups such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which has been declared a terrorist organisation by India, often hold anti-India rallies and referendums.

• April 20, 2025: Khalistani flags were waved and a tableau of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was displayed at the Baisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Surrey.
• November 3, 2024: Khalistani supporters attacked the Indian consulate camp at Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, in which three people were arrested.
• April 2024: Khalistani supporters vandalised the Laxmi Narayan temple in Surrey and painted graffiti on the walls.

These incidents have created a sense of insecurity in the Hindu community in Canada. The priest of the Brampton temple said in 2024, “Hindus have to unite, otherwise we will not be safe.”

Pressure on Mark Carney government

The rally took place just after the recent elections led by Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney replaced Justin Trudeau, during whose tenure India had repeatedly raised concerns over Khalistani activities. Boardman raised the question, “Will Carney's Canada be different from Trudeau's, or will Khalistani elements be ignored?”

Canadian MP Chandra Arya had also warned about Khalistani activities. He said in 2023, "Khalistani groups are targeting Hindu temples. Canadian authorities must intervene."

Experts' analysis

Experts believe that Khalistani activities in Canada are growing with political patronage and foreign funding. Defense expert Professor Anil Sharma said, "Pakistan's ISI and some Chinese elements are supporting Khalistani groups to create an atmosphere against India." Canada's soft policies have further encouraged these groups.

Conclusion

The anti-Hindu rally in Toronto has exposed the growing aggression of Khalistani elements in Canada. The demand for expulsion of 8 lakh Hindus and the desecration of effigies of Indian leaders are a challenge not only for the Hindu community but also for India-Canada relations. Will Mark Carney's government rein in these elements, or will communal tensions in Canada deepen? Time and Canada's policies will decide this.