Toronto: Ashwin Annamalai, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, has spoken out against the increasing hate crimes targeting the Indian community in Canada. His personal experience of a racist outburst in Kitchener-Waterloo reflects growing concerns about intolerance and discrimination amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Annamalai described the disturbing encounter that took place while he was out for a walk near Erb/Avondale. “A random woman gave me the finger and started spewing hate, demanding that I return to India,” he wrote. Despite politely responding to her, the woman continued her rant, accusing him of not speaking English and expressing anger about the presence of people of color, including Black residents, in the community.
Rising Hate in the Waterloo Region
Annamalai expressed his distress at the changing social atmosphere, saying the once-welcoming community has become increasingly hostile toward minorities. In his post, he linked a report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), which highlights that the Waterloo region has the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes in Canada.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he added, pointing out that his experience reflects a broader pattern of growing racism in the area.
Diplomatic Tensions Adding to Friction
The rise in hate incidents coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Recent disputes over issues such as the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and mutual accusations of interference have strained relations, indirectly impacting the Indian diaspora in Canada.
A Community Under Strain
Many members of the Indian community in Canada have reported similar experiences of racism and hostility in recent months. This uptick in hate crimes has become a cause for concern among immigrants, especially given the traditionally multicultural ethos of cities like Kitchener-Waterloo.
Annamalai’s post has sparked discussion on social media about the need for greater efforts to tackle racism and protect minority communities in Canada. Local officials and advocacy groups are calling for more police action and community outreach to address hate crimes effectively.
