India has strongly condemned the disruption that took place during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Toronto, calling the act “despicable” and urging the Canadian Government to take strict action against those involved.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India responded on Monday after reports surfaced that some people threw eggs at devotees during the festival. The incident reportedly happened when miscreants targeted the peaceful procession from a nearby building.
“We have seen reports regarding disruption created by mischievous elements during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the MEA.
“Such despicable acts are regrettable and go against the spirit of the festival, which promotes unity, inclusivity and harmony,” he added.
India urges Canada to act
Jaiswal confirmed that India has officially taken up the issue with the Canadian authorities.
“We have strongly taken up the matter... and hope the Canadian Government will act quickly to protect the religious rights of people,” he said.
Naveen Patnaik calls incident ‘deeply disturbing’
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed strong concern. He said reports of eggs being thrown at devotees were “deeply disturbing” and hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannath’s followers worldwide.
In a post on X, Patnaik wrote: “Such incidents cause deep pain to people of Odisha, for whom this festival is emotionally and culturally significant. If the reports are true, the Odisha Government should work with the MEA and protest officially.”
Social media post sparks outrage
The reports came to light after Toronto-based user Sangna Bajaj posted on Instagram about the incident. “People from a building threw eggs at us,” she wrote. In another post, she asked, “Have you ever experienced discrimination for your faith?”
The alleged attack has triggered widespread anger among the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Hindu temples under attack in Canada
This is not the first such incident. Several Hindu temples in Canada have been targeted in recent months. Most recently, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalised. In past incidents, temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton were also defaced with anti-India graffiti.
These attacks have raised growing concerns about religious intolerance and the rise of Khalistani extremist elements operating from within Canada. Many of these incidents have been linked to propaganda calling for an independent Khalistan state.
The Indian Government and community leaders have asked Canadian authorities to take strong steps to protect Hindu religious sites, and ensure such hate-driven actions do not go unpunished.
Inputs from agencies
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India responded on Monday after reports surfaced that some people threw eggs at devotees during the festival. The incident reportedly happened when miscreants targeted the peaceful procession from a nearby building.
“We have seen reports regarding disruption created by mischievous elements during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the MEA.
“Such despicable acts are regrettable and go against the spirit of the festival, which promotes unity, inclusivity and harmony,” he added.
India urges Canada to act
Jaiswal confirmed that India has officially taken up the issue with the Canadian authorities.
“We have strongly taken up the matter... and hope the Canadian Government will act quickly to protect the religious rights of people,” he said.
Naveen Patnaik calls incident ‘deeply disturbing’
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed strong concern. He said reports of eggs being thrown at devotees were “deeply disturbing” and hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannath’s followers worldwide.
In a post on X, Patnaik wrote: “Such incidents cause deep pain to people of Odisha, for whom this festival is emotionally and culturally significant. If the reports are true, the Odisha Government should work with the MEA and protest officially.”
Social media post sparks outrage
The reports came to light after Toronto-based user Sangna Bajaj posted on Instagram about the incident. “People from a building threw eggs at us,” she wrote. In another post, she asked, “Have you ever experienced discrimination for your faith?”
The alleged attack has triggered widespread anger among the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Hindu temples under attack in Canada
This is not the first such incident. Several Hindu temples in Canada have been targeted in recent months. Most recently, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalised. In past incidents, temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton were also defaced with anti-India graffiti.
These attacks have raised growing concerns about religious intolerance and the rise of Khalistani extremist elements operating from within Canada. Many of these incidents have been linked to propaganda calling for an independent Khalistan state.
The Indian Government and community leaders have asked Canadian authorities to take strong steps to protect Hindu religious sites, and ensure such hate-driven actions do not go unpunished.
Inputs from agencies
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