Eggs hurled at Rath Yatra procession in Toronto: India strongly takes up issue with Canada

NEW DELHI, July 14: India today strongly took up with Canada the issue of eggs being hurled at a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, and asked that the perpetrators be held accountable.
The MEA spokesperson in a statement also said India hopes that necessary action is taken to protect the religious rights of people.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement, said:
“We have seen reports regarding disruption created by mischievous elements during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto.
“Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony.
“We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable.
“We hope the Canadian Government will take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people.”
The MEA response came after Biju Janata Dal president and former long-time Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik highlighted the incident in a post on X, and urged the MEA to intervene in the matter.
Naveen Patnaik in his social media post said:
“Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during Ratha Jatra celebrations in Toronto, Canada. Such incidents not only grievously hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannatha’s devotees worldwide, but also cause deep anguish to the people of Odisha, for whom this festival holds profound emotional and cultural significance.
“If these media reports are accurate, the Odisha Government (@CMO_Odisha) should take the matter seriously and urge the Ministry of External Affairs to register a strong protest with the Canadian authorities.”
The incident took place during the ISKCON’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra in Toronto, when eggs were thrown at devotees participating in the religious procession from a nearby building.
The Rath Yatra, a key event honouring Lord Jagannath and involving singing, dancing, and chariot pulling, was moving through Yonge Street, when the incident happened, according to reports.
(UNI)

The post Eggs hurled at Rath Yatra procession in Toronto: India strongly takes up issue with Canada appeared first on Daily Excelsior.

News