Indo-Canadian Community Pays Tribute to Pahalgam Attack Victims

The Indo-Canadian community continues to mourn the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Across Canada, people held vigils and prayer meetings in memory of those killed. Events took place in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Vancouver, Montreal, and other cities. On Saturday morning, more than 300 people gathered at Gita Park in Brampton, GTA. Local politicians also attended the “solemn vigil to honour the victims” of the attack.

The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), which organised the event, said, “The gathering served as a powerful reminder of unity, compassion, and the collective determination to uphold peace. Together, attendees prayed, reflected, and reaffirmed their commitment to a future built on harmony and resilience.”

Leaders Call for Unity and Peace

Speaking at the event, CHCC president Kushagr Dutt Sharma said, “Today, we stood together not just to mourn, but to renew our commitment to a world where hatred has no home. The pain of the Pahalgam attacks reminds us that unity and compassion are our strongest weapons against violence.” Later that evening, another group gathered for a candlelight vigil at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto. Like the morning event, it drew a large number of mourners.

Calls to Recognise Hindu Lives

One of the main organisers, Ruchi Wali, addressed the Toronto gathering. She said one purpose of the vigil was to send a strong message that “Hindu lives matter.” Wali, who comes from Jammu and Kashmir, criticised the “silence” of the Canadian government in responding to the attack. Rishabh Sarswat, president of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada, also spoke. He pointed out, “Hindu trauma is not recognised in Western countries” and said it is “reflected in the media and in the language of politicians.”

Anger Over Delay in Condemnation

Speakers questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was the last among G7 leaders to condemn the attack. Sarswat said the delay “spoke volumes” about how seriously Canadian politicians take the rights of Hindus. He added, “That is very concerning for us as Hindu Canadians.”

Other Communities Show Support

Along with Indo-Canadian groups, Jewish organisations and Baloch human rights activists joined the vigils. Their presence showed strong cross-community solidarity against terrorism. Meanwhile, in Vancouver, people gathered peacefully at the Vancouver Art Gallery to show their support. In Montreal, a separate vigil took place to honour the victims.

Community Organisations Issue Statements

In a statement, the Hindu Cultural Society of Toronto expressed its “deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the innocent victims brutally killed” in the terror attack. The group announced it would organise a prayer meeting on Sunday.

The Hindu Sabha Mandir, which had previously faced a violent attack by pro-Khalistan elements in November, also spoke out. They said, “Such reprehensible acts of terrorism against peace loving Hindu tourists, enjoying their vacation time in serene Pahalgam valley, has no place in our law-abiding world.”