IAMC Condemns Violent Disruption by Hindu Nationalists at Montreal Event on Hindutva
Montreal, Canada (August 19, 2024) – The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) strongly condemns the recent violent disruption by Hindu supremacist groups aimed at intimidating and silencing the organizers and participants of an event discussing Hindutva fascism in Montreal, Canada.
The interfaith event, entitled “The Struggle Must Continue! Hindutva Fascism in India and in the Diaspora, and its Impacts on Minorities”, was surrounded by a mob of more than 70 Hindu nationalists who pulled fire alarms inside the venue, heckled and shouted down attendees. The mob surrounded the venue entrance, shouting misogynistic insults, and ultimately barged inside the space, blocking many participants from entering.
The harassment followed earlier threats by Hindu nationalist groups—some of which have ties to overseas extremist organizations—pressuring Concordia University to revoke permission for the event. As a result, the organizers were forced to relocate the event from its original venue to an alternate location.
Among these groups were the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA)-Canada, the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE), and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-Canada, an overseas offshoot of the CIA-designated “religious militant group”, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America recently received international condemnation for its decision to parade an anti-Muslim hate symbol through the New York City during Indian independence day celebrations.
“IAMC unequivocally condemns the efforts of belligerent Hindu nationalists to undermine the free-speech rights of Canadian activists and academics,” said IAMC President Mohammed Jawad. “The fury of these counter protesters shows just how powerful our fight is to shine light on the dangers of Hindu supremacy.”
Though event organizers took steps to de-escalate the situation as it unfolded, the belligerent groups did not vacate the premises until firefighters came and building security called the police, who escorted them outside of the building.
The August 15 incident forms part of a longer Hindu nationalist campaign to silence overseas critics, which in the past has included sending countless death, rape, and bomb threats to U.S. academics.
“If we do not stand up to protect the free speech of activists critical of Hindu nationalism, our rights will continue to be attacked and eroded by belligerent organizations with ties to violent groups abroad,” added IAMC president Mohammad Jawad.
