Vancouver- The Sikh community in Vancouver is reeling after a disturbing act of vandalism at the Ross Street Gurdwara on Saturday, April 19. According to a statement released by the Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS), a small group of religious extremists defaced the Gurdwara walls with graffiti and hateful slogans, marking another alarming episode in a growing pattern of extremist activity across the Lower Mainland.
In the past 18 months, the Sikh community has faced multiple incidents, including:
- Threats and intimidation during the 2024 Vancouver Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan.
- Distribution of extremist propaganda at the Air India Flight 182 commemoration.
- Flag burnings and threats during “life certification” clinics at the Gurdwara.
- Theft of Sikh scriptures from outdoor wedding events.
- Online threats to KDS clergy and administrators.
“This act of vandalism is not isolated. It’s part of a disturbing, organized campaign to divide our community,” said Jagdeep Singh Sanghera, Vice President of KDS. “Our elders sacrificed so much for the rights we enjoy today. These extremists are trying to destroy that legacy.”
Kashmir Singh Dhaliwal, General Secretary of KDS, added, “We stand united against this campaign of hate. This attack is not just on our Gurdwara—it’s an attack on the very unity that holds our society together.”
KDS thanked the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for their support and expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“We are confident the VPD will find those responsible for this reprehensible act,” said Sanghera.
The Sikh community is urging unity, resilience, and collective rejection of hate-driven division. “Let us unite against division and extremism—for the future we all share,” the release concluded.