A cinema in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Film.ca Cinemas, has been targeted in two separate attacks within a week, raising concerns about rising extremism and a climate of fear directed towards Indian interests. The incidents, an arson attempt on September 25th and a shooting on October 2nd, are being investigated as targeted attacks linked to the theater's screening of Indian films.
On September 25th, two masked suspects wearing black clothing attempted to set fire to the cinema's entrance using flammable liquid from red gas cans. Security footage showed a grey SUV and a white vehicle circling the parking lot before the attack. The fire was contained outside, causing moderate damage.
Barely a week later, on October 2nd, a single suspect, described as a heavy-built male wearing black and a face mask, fired multiple shots at the theater's entrance doors. The building was closed, and no casualties occurred. Halton Regional Police are investigating both incidents.
Following the attacks, Film.ca Cinemas has halted screenings of Indian films, including "Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1" and "They Call Him OG," due to safety concerns. The cinema management acknowledged that they had received threats before over the Indian film screenings.
The designated terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) released a statement calling on the Canadian government to ban all "Made In India" films. SFJ chief Pannun claimed that "Make in India" had become a political weapon for the Modi regime and allowing Indian films and products into Canadian markets was equivalent to opening the door to propaganda that normalizes violence against pro-Khalistan Sikhs and undermines Canadian values.
These incidents have sparked outrage and concern within the Indian community in Canada, with many viewing the attacks as a manifestation of growing Khalistani extremism and a culture of intimidation. Some observers are calling for Canadian authorities to treat Khalistani-linked attacks as extremism rather than ordinary crime, enhance protection for Indian cultural and diplomatic establishments, demonstrate political will to curb hate propaganda, and strengthen cooperation with Indian intelligence and law enforcement.
