Canada’s stance on hate speech: A cause for concern
In a recent Nagar Kirtan event in Calgary, disturbing images emerged on social media depicting floats with effigies of Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dressed as prisoners.
These visuals have sparked a wave of concern and outrage among many, raising critical questions about Canada’s stance on hate speech and the role of its authorities in maintaining social harmony.
The presence of such floats at a cultural and religious event intended to promote peace and community spirit is not only inappropriate but also inflammatory. The fact that these effigies were allowed to be displayed openly, with no intervention from the Canadian police present at the event, is deeply troubling. It begs the question: is Canada now openly permitting such forms of hate-mongering?
The Indian diaspora in Canada, along with many others, are rightfully alarmed. This incident is not an isolated one but part of a troubling trend where Khalistani extremists have been allowed to hijack public events to propagate their agenda. The lack of action from the authorities is not just a failure in maintaining law and order but a tacit endorsement of such behavior.
One cannot help but question whether the current Canadian administration is willing to go to any lengths to appease a fringe element of the Sikh community for the sake of vote-bank politics. Is the government prioritizing political expediency over the values of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence that Canada is known for?
The implications of this are far-reaching. Allowing such divisive and inciteful displays undercuts the fabric of multiculturalism that Canada prides itself on. It sets a dangerous precedent where hate speech and incitement are given a free pass under the guise of free expression.
The silence and inaction of the authorities in this case are not just concerning but also reflective of a deeper issue within the political landscape. It raises doubts about the commitment of the Canadian government to protect all its citizens from hate and discrimination, irrespective of political considerations.
As a society, Canada must not stand idly by while such hate-mongering tactics are allowed to flourish. The government needs to take a firm stand against any form of incitement and ensure that all communities feel safe and respected. The authorities should have intervened at the Nagar Kirtan event to stop the display of such offensive and provocative floats. Failure to do so not only emboldens extremists but also erodes the trust of the public in the ability of the state to uphold justice and equality.
It is imperative for the Canadian government to address this issue head-on. Clear and decisive actions must be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Canada must reaffirm its commitment to fostering a society where diversity is celebrated, and every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect.
The current administration must show that it stands against hate-mongering and that it will not sacrifice the core values of Canadian society for political gains.
(Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles

Minority under fire: Hindu houses torched in Bangladesh village
At least five houses belonging to Hindu families were set on fire in Dumritala village of Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district, in what is being perceived as another incident refelcting a surge in attacks on religious minorities in the Muslim-majority country.

Hindus form own political party in Bangladesh after lynching horror, target over 40 seats
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has launched a political outfit of its own ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year, amid a surge in attacks on minorities following the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.

Political bombshell in Bangladesh: Student-led NCP joins hands with Islamist Jamaat ahead of polls
The National Citizen Party (NCP), a political outfit formed by student leaders who spearheaded the July–August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has announced a seat-sharing agreement with one of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist parties ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year.

Night of Terror: Deadly blaze at Indonesian retirement home leaves 16 dead
At least 16 people were killed after a fire broke out at a retirement home in Indonesia’s Manado city on Sulawesi island, media reports said.
Latest News

Minority under fire: Hindu houses torched in Bangladesh village

Airtel drops a nostalgia bomb with Cartoon Network Classics launch

Unsatisfactory: MCG under fire as ICC issues demerit point after Ashes thriller

Samsung to unleash AI, Robotics and digital health innovations at CES 2026

