The South Asian Community of Canada is on the nerves, after the conflict between India and Pakistan, marked by missile strikes that have killed 31 people administered by Pakistan.
The Canadian Hindu Foundation indicates in a press release published on its website that its members “risk being exposed to increased risks” taking into account tensions on the Indian subcontinent. The organization has also published directives to “ensure security” and “strengthen community ties”.
These directives suggest in particular Hindu Canadians to familiarize themselves with the laws on “religious and ethnic discrimination”, as well as to avoid any “provocation, in particular on the part of extremist groups”.
In addition, a Canadian of Pakistani origin calls for calm the South Asian diaspora in Canada, qualifying the situation of “very dark” and stressing that many Canadians have family in the region affected by the conflict.
Muhammad Kashif Naseer, a resident of Regina, says that the local South Asian community is “very united”, but fears that the emotions aroused by the Indo-Pakistani conflict will spread to the communities of the Canadian diaspora.
Canada had not published a statement concerning Indian missile shots on Pakistan earlier during the day, but Ottawa updated its opinion to travelers for the region on Wednesday, warning the Canadians in the affected area of ”being vigilant and ready to confine themselves”.
“Tensions could intensify and the situation could deteriorate quickly,” read the Global Affairs Canada.
The tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified since the April 22 attack at the Kashmir under Indian administration, where armed men killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists.
Indian officials accused Pakistan of having supported armed men – an accusation denied by Islamabad – and New Delhi said that the latest missile strikes were reprisals for the April massacre.
The day after the April attack, Canada’s High Commissioner in New Delhi published a statement that did not mention India, arousing criticism from the Indian nationalists.
-“Canada presents its most sincere condolences to the victims of terrorist attacks in Jammu-et-Cachemire, could be read in the declaration of April 23. We also salute the many acts of bravery that have saved innocent lives. This insane and horrible act cannot be justified. ”
The Canadian Hindu Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comments, but says in its declaration that it undertakes to “promote a safe and inclusive Canada where Hindu Canadians can flourish without fear, while promoting solidarity with all communities to combat extremism”.
“Hindu Canadians are an integral part of Canada’s multicultural fabric and contribute to economic, cultural and social levels, can be read in the declaration. By remaining united, informed and proactive, the community can go through this difficult period with force and dignity. ”
The April attack took place in the part of the cashmere controlled by India, but claimed by Pakistan.
“We are all worried, because our families, communities and loved ones are there,” explains Naseer. Obviously, no one wants the situation to get worse. ”
Naseer says that leaders of the South Asian community in Canada should collaborate to prevent tensions in Asia from manifesting themselves in Canadian society.
“I’m not the type to let it affect my relationships with my Indian friends,” he said. But I am sure that there will be politically committed people who could have different opinions on both sides. However, I expect them to show a little Canadian restraint. ”
“I would say that being Canadian and why we choose to come to Canada is to escape these kinds of things (…) I expect that there are no disorders between communities,” he added.
– with information from Dylan Robertson in Ottawa and the Associated Press
