VHP criticizes Canada's silence amid Pannun's Ayodhya threats; calls for action to ensure security of Ram Mandir

NEW DELHI: Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) stated that the silence of the Canadian govt raises many questions, as it called for suitable action against Khalistan terrorist and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Tuesday. The organisation also mentioned that the Indian govt should take suitable measures diplomatically and ensure the safety and security of Ayodhya. Pannun issued a threat on Monday targeting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and other Hindu temples on November 16 and 17. His warning also targeted Indian diplomats.

Vinod Bansal, National Spokesperson, VHP, said that those threatening such acts against any religious or public space should not be part of any civil society, hinting at Canada’s inaction over repeated threats from Pannun. Bansal stated that to threaten and attack any religious or public place "is against humanity, and the country, society, and persons associated with them should take note and detach themselves from such elements. They cannot belong to a civil society or religion."

In a statement, Pannun claimed, "We will shake the foundations of Ayodhya, birthplace of the violent Hindutva ideology." SFJ announced its intention to disrupt activities by Indian diplomats holding life certificate camps for the diaspora in Canada. Planned actions include targeting the Kalibari Mandir in Mississauga on November 16 and the Triveni Mandir in Brampton on November 17.

This development follows the recent arrest of Inderjeet Gosal, a key SFJ figure, by Canadian authorities. Gosal was detained over his alleged role in last week’s Khalistani attack on Hindu devotees at a Brampton temple.

Calling upon the security agencies (of India and Canada) to take cognizance of the threat, Bansal said that it is also the responsibility of the Canadian govt to act as he "has been sheltered by Canada," and is using its soil to foster terrorist activities. Bansal stated that equal onus lies on the Indian govt to "take suitable measures diplomatically and ensure the safety and security of Ayodhya."

Pannun declared that Khalistan supporters would continue countering Indian diplomats and warned Indo-Canadians to keep their distance, advising them not to become "fodder" in the fight for Khalistan. Indian agencies are reportedly closely monitoring the situation as tensions rise.