Toronto: Signage at the Shri Bhagavad Gita Park in the city of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA was vandalised , the latest in a series of such desecrations over the year. The vandalised sign was discovered with graffiti spray painted on it attacking India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
City workers quickly removed the graffiti and restored the sign to its original state. However, this was just the latest episode in a series of similar episodes in Canada since last summer, targeting Hindu temples and even statues of Mahatma Gandhi.
The City tweeted that it was “deeply disappointed to learn of the recent act of vandalism targeting a park sign, which is an attack on a faith community.” It said the matter was referred to the Peel Regional Police. Unfortunately, several similar instances of vandalism in the area still remain unsolved and no one has been arrested.
“At the City of Brampton, we stand united against such acts of intolerance and discrimination. We proudly uphold our values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all and these acts of hate will not be tolerated,” the tweet added.
Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown told the network Prime Asia TV he was “outraged” with this vandalism and the city had “zero tolerance” towards “intimidation of any faith community.” Indo-Canadians expressed their anger over the vandalism. Brampton resident Vijay Jain described it as “purely an act of Hinduphobia.” Hiren Patel sought “immediate and decisive action” against radical elements.