A solidarity rally for Canadian-Hindus and Bangladeshi-Hindus was held outside the Milpitas City Hall on Nov.23. Approximately 150 American-Hindus participated to highlight ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Canada and Bangladesh.
Prominent community leaders addressed the gathering, calling on US leaders to condemn human rights violations and hold the Canadian and Bangladeshi governments accountable for safeguarding Hindu communities.
A participant at the rally criticized the handling of recent violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada. "We saw videos of Khalistanis invading the temple premises and beating men, women, and children. It was horrible to see Hindus celebrating Diwali being hounded. To make matters worse, police infiltrated with Khalistani supporters also attacked devotees," she said. "Freedom of violence is being disguised as freedom of expression in Canada. We have lost all faith in the Trudeau government."
Dr. Japra of Americans for Hindus emphasized the importance of Hindu voices. "We are one world, one family, one future," he said, while condemning attacks by Khalistanis in Canada and Islamists in Bangladesh.
Raj, a Fremont resident, criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "While Khalistanis openly wield swords on Canadian streets, Trudeau blames foreign powers for the chaos he created," he said. "When a clown is elected king, the court becomes a circus."
Pushpita Prasad from the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) spoke of threats faced by Hindus. "Our team in Canada is being targeted by Sikhs for Justice, a banned group in India but operating freely in Canada. In Bangladesh, there’s a slow Hindu genocide. Even in California, six temples have been attacked over the last two years," she said, urging authorities to address Hinduphobia and protect Hindu communities.
A Bangladeshi Hindu attendee described ongoing violence in his country. "Homes are burned, temples destroyed, and boys abducted by the army under false blasphemy charges. We appeal to the global community to intervene and protect Bangladeshi Hindus. Hindu lives matter," he said.
Kiran, a participant from Hayward, highlighted the lack of political support. "Tulsi Gabbard, one of the few leaders to condemn violence against Bangladeshi-Hindus, was ridiculed as part of a Hindu cult. This reflects the deep-seated Hinduphobia we face," she said.
Purnima from San Ramon called on U.S. leaders to act. "We ask our elected representatives to recognize this violence and champion the rule of law missing in Canada and Bangladesh. We will continue advocating for peace and mutual respect," she said.
The rally was organized by multiple Bay Area Hindu organizations, including the American Hindu Coalition, Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, North America Bangladeshi Puja Committee, and Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA).
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