Editor’s Note
Faith and heritage are the timeless threads that weave the fabric of our identity, yet they are being tested like never before. In this edition, we highlight the growing challenges Hindus face, from wrongful land claims in India to escalating anti-Hindu violence in Canada and Bangladesh, where the very right to live and practice freely is under siege. Reminding us of the urgent need to safeguard our cultural, religious, and personal freedoms.
November Newsletter – 1
(November 01 –November 15)
In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, the struggles and resilience of Hindus facing violence and persecution often go unrecognized. This fortnightly report brings these overlooked narratives to light by providing an unbiased and comprehensive selection of news agencies’ reports offering an overview of incidents impacting the Hindu community worldwide, while also celebrating Hindu heritage. Through this initiative, we seek to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of Hindu rights and religious freedom globally.
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South-East Asia
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Hindu minorities face increased crackdowns and violence, with recent tensions in Chittagong following temple attacks and inflammatory remarks against Hinduism by a Jamat-e-Islami member.
Following Sheikh Hasina's exit, the interim government in Bangladesh has failed to protect Hindus from targeted violence, with selective justice favoring Islamist factions while dismissing minority concerns. With escalating communal attacks during Hindu festivals and increasing persecution, the Hindu community faces an alarming rise in hostility, risking forced migration and highlighting the need for international accountability.
ISKCON in Bangladesh has demanded an apology from editor Mahmudur Rahman for his “baseless” claims labeling ISKCON a militant organization, warning of legal action if he fails to retract. ISKCON leaders emphasized their commitment to religious harmony and urged the government to address harmful propaganda against the Hindu community.
India
Waqf's expanding land claims in Kerala, including disputes over properties in Thavinjal and Munambam, have led the Catholic Church to intensify its push for the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) released a list of over 300 incidents of attacks on Hindus and their places of worship, attributing these actions to various "jihads" targeting the Hindu community and calling for a unified response against anti-Hindu conspiracies.
The Calcutta High Court has permitted a Hindu advocacy group to hold a rally in Kolkata protesting violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these atrocities amidst ongoing political instability in Bangladesh.
The Waqf Board’s claim over 53 historic monuments, including iconic sites like Gol Gumbaz and Bidar Fort, has sparked major controversy in Karnataka. raising concerns over cultural preservation and land ownership rights.
The Waqf land dispute intensifies in Kerala as the Waqf Board claims land in multiple districts, sparking resistance from Christian families and gaining political attention ahead of by-elections. The Catholic Church oppose the Waqf Board’s claims, citing unlawful encroachment on family-owned properties.
North America
Canada
In light of escalating threats, the Brampton Triveni Mandir has canceled a Life Certificate Event, leaving Indian-origin Hindus feeling unsafe in their own places of worship. Amid rising concerns about Hindu safety, the temple administration has urged Canadian authorities to ensure protection for the Hindu community against such violent intimidations.
Hindu and Sikh activists held a major protest outside the Canadian High Commission in Delhi, condemning the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton by pro-Khalistan supporters. Demonstrators emphasized unity, calling for respect for Hindu temples and a firm stance against anti-India actions abroad.
The violent attack on Hindu-Canadian devotees by Khalistani extremists at Brampton's Hindu Sabha temple has intensified concerns about rising anti-Hindu extremism in Canada. Prominent leaders, including PM Justin Trudeau and MP Chandra Arya, condemned the assault, with Arya urging Hindu-Canadians to assert their rights amid concerns over extremist influence in Canadian institutions.
Peel Regional Police Sergeant Harinder Sohi was suspended after being seen holding a Khalistan flag at a protest where anti-India slogans were chanted outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton. This incident, part of rising anti-Hindu extremism in Canada, has sparked strong condemnation from Indian officials and renewed calls for safeguarding Hindu places of worship.
External affairs minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that the vandalism of the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada's Brampton by protesters carrying Khalistani flags was "deeply concerning".
"I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," PM Narendra Modi said on X.
The Canadian police have arrested Inderjeet Gosal, a top operative of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an outfit banned in India, in connection with last week’s pro-Khalistani attack on Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton, officials said on Sunday.
Over a thousand Canadian Hindus on Monday expressed their anger following repeated attacks on Hindu temples in the country and pressed the Canadian administration to take stricter actions against the extremists attacking the religious sites. The protestors expressed their loyalty to Canada and affirmed that they wanted good relations between India and Canada.
The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton by pro-Khalistani supporters, part of a series of escalating assaults on Hindu temples and Indian diplomats in Canada, has raised alarm among the Indian community. The incident reflects ongoing tensions and concerns over the safety of Hindus amid increasing Khalistani influence and pressure on Canadian authorities.
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