Gurdwara vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti

Toronto

A historic gurdwara in Vancouver, Canada, was vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti, upsetting the local Sikh community. The incident took place at the Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS) gurdwara, also called the Ross Street gurdwara.

On Saturday morning, temple officials discovered the word “Khalistan” spray-painted on walls near the parking area. The timing coincided with Surrey’s massive Vaisakhi parade held on the same day. Police are now investigating the incident.

The KDS condemned the vandalism as a hate-driven act meant to spread fear and division. “Extremist separatists defaced our sacred walls with slogans like ‘Khalistan Zindabad’,” the gurdwara said in a statement.

They stressed that the act goes against the peaceful values of Sikhism and Canada’s inclusive culture. “It’s hurtful this happened during Khalsa Sajna Diwas, a day that honours unity in Sikh history,” the statement said.

KDS believes these actions are aimed at undoing the hard work of earlier Sikh generations who built a strong, peaceful community in Canada. “We will not let forces of hate and division break our unity,” the gurdwara added.

Last week, KDS held its own Vaisakhi event, where pro-Khalistan groups were not allowed. Gurdwara spokesperson Jag Sanghera described the graffiti as “extensive.”

Founded in 1906, the Ross Street Gurdwara is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected Sikh places of worship.