To the Leaders of the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, and New Democratic Party (NDP),
To the Local Candidates in Rockland, Ottawa, and Surrounding Areas,
To Mr. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario,
To the Ontario Provincial Police,
To the Media and Public Officials of Canada

We, the undersigned, write this petition with a deep sense of urgency and concern in the wake of the tragic murder of Dharmesh Kathireeya, a young member of the Indian community from Rockland, Ontario. Dharmesh’s untimely death is not only a profound and heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and loved ones but also a tragic reflection of the growing insecurity and fear felt by many Canadian citizens residents of Indian origin. His death underscores the devastating reality that our communities, especially those from minority backgrounds, are increasingly vulnerable to acts of violence fueled by intolerance and hate.

This senseless act of violence is more than just an isolated tragedy—it is a stark reminder that the security and safety of individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or background, is being undermined by rising hate. The loss of Dharmesh highlights the very real threat that many face daily: the fear of being targeted simply because of who they are, where they come from, or the culture they belong to. In a society that prides itself on diversity, such a loss not only diminishes the life of one individual but also erodes the sense of security that every Canadian should feel in their own community.

We, the undersigned, request that:

All Political Parties Acknowledge and Address the Tragic Incident: The murder of Dharmesh Kathireeya cannot and must not go unnoticed by our political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation—be it the Liberals, Conservatives, or NDP. Dharmesh's death is a deeply painful reminder of the vulnerability and fear that members of the Indian community—and all racial and religious minorities—face in Canada. This appears to be a hate-motivated crime, and it is essential that all political leaders issue a clear, unequivocal condemnation. Public figures must denounce such violence and hatred, and make a firm commitment to taking real, meaningful steps to ensure that no one else is subjected to such senseless acts of brutality.

This tragedy is not an isolated one. For years, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in hate-driven violence targeting vulnerable communities. In 2017, the tragic mosque shooting in Quebec City claimed the lives of six Muslim men, leaving families shattered and a community reeling in fear. The vicious attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario in 2021, which left four members dead, was another stark example of how hate crime continues to spread its poison in our society. The Sikh community, too, has been targeted in violent incidents, such as the deadly attack on a Sikh temple in 1985 and the 2018 fatal shooting of a Sikh man in Surrey, BC. A Swaminarayan Mandir temple managed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) in the Canadian city of Edmonton was vandalized in July 2024. On March 30, 2025 Sri Krishna Brundavana Temple was vandalized in Gerorgetown, Ontario. These attacks, and many others, underscore the growing insecurity that minority communities experience daily. 

A Comprehensive National Conversation on Hate Crimes: We call upon all political parties to initiate a national dialogue about the alarming rise of hate crimes and violence, specifically targeting Indian Canadians, as well as other racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. This conversation must address the systemic issues of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance that have escalated in recent years, creating an environment where violence against minority groups is increasingly common. It is imperative that our political leaders advocate for stronger laws, improved resources for combating hate-motivated violence, and the development of public policies that genuinely work to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

Acknowledgement and Representation of the Indian Community: The Indian community, despite facing increasing hate crimes in Canada, is often left without a voice in the national conversation. The silence from political parties and the media in the face of such violence contributes to a growing sense of marginalization and fear within the Indian community. When acts of hate occur, the absence of acknowledgment only deepens the pain and insecurity felt by these communities. It is essential that our political leaders take a firm stand, acknowledging the hurt and concerns of Indian Canadians and ensuring their protection and representation in all public policies. This must include a commitment to creating safe spaces for all Canadians, regardless of their background.

Media Responsibility in Reporting on Immigrants and Indian Canadians: The role of the media in shaping public perception cannot be understated, yet too often, the media fails to report adequately on the rising tide of hate crimes against racial minorities. It is disheartening to see how the tragic murder of Dharmesh Kathireeya has been overshadowed, while media outlets frequently publish sensationalized stories that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about immigrants—especially those of Indian descent. Media coverage too often focuses on negative portrayals, further marginalizing these communities. We call on Canadian media to report on hate crimes with the seriousness, sensitivity, and urgency they deserve, acknowledging the real human cost of these tragedies.

Justice for Dharmesh Kathireeya: We demand that the authorities take immediate and decisive action in investigating Dharmesh Kathireeya's murder. We call for a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The Canadian government must commit to supporting the families of hate crime victims with the necessary resources—legal, emotional, and financial—to help them heal from the trauma they will be enduring throughout their lives.

In conclusion, we believe that every Canadian, regardless of their ethnicity, should feel safe and protected within their own country. The death of Dharmesh Kathireeya is not an isolated incident. It reflects the growing insecurity and fear felt by racial and religious minorities across Canada. No one should have to live in constant fear of being targeted for their background, faith, or ethnicity. Every Canadian, regardless of their heritage, should feel safe, protected, and valued in this country. We urge political leaders, media organizations, and all Canadians to take immediate, substantive steps to combat hate and ensure that future tragedies are prevented. Only through collective action can we begin to heal the divisions that have been created and ensure that our country remains a safe and inclusive home for all.

We, the undersigned, call upon the political leaders, candidates, and media organizations to take immediate and significant steps to address this growing crisis-Justice for Dharmesh Kathireeya