A cinema in Oakville, Canada, was targeted in two separate incidents. The first incident involved an arson attempt at the theater. This was followed by a shooting. These attacks occurred during the screening of Indian films, leading to suspicions of involvement by Khalistani extremists. Film.Ca Cinemas, located in Oakville, was the target of these violent acts. A video of the incident has also surfaced.
The attacks took place during the screening of Indian films. Consequently, a decision was made to cancel the screenings of Indian films due to security concerns.
The first attack on the theater occurred on September 25th. Around 5:20 AM, two suspects attempted to set the theater doors on fire by pouring gasoline. The attackers ignited the fire from the outside. This caused minor damage to the building, but the fire did not spread inside. Police reported that both suspects were wearing black clothing and masks. CCTV footage showed a gray SUV and a white SUV, which were used by the attackers to arrive and flee the scene.
The second attack occurred on October 2nd. Around 1:50 AM, an unidentified suspect fired shots at the entrance of the theater. Police described the attacker as heavily built, wearing black clothes, and a mask.
Both attacks are considered targeted incidents.
Jeff Knoll, the CEO of the theater, stated that the theater was targeted simply for showing South Asian films. However, the theater aims to ensure the community feels safe and will continue to offer film experiences for audiences.
Considering the situation, the theater has preemptively stopped the screening of two Indian films. The theater’s stance is that they do not want to be intimidated, but the safety of staff and audiences is their top priority.
Halton Police are investigating the matter.
In response to the arson and shooting incidents, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has announced a call for a ban on all “Made in India” films and products in Canada.
SFJ’s General Counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stated that “Made in India” has become more than just a cultural identity; it has become a political weapon of the Modi government, aimed at spreading the hatred of Hindutva. According to Pannun, every Indian film and every “Made in India” product carries the mark of a violent ideology, which is leading India towards a Hindutva-based dictatorship.
SFJ has appealed to Prime Minister Trudeau, Canadian policymakers, businesses, and cultural institutions to take concrete steps and ban “Made in India” films and products. The organization emphasized that this is not a matter of trade or cinema, but of protecting Canada’s democratic spirit from the poisonous spread of Modi’s Hindutva-based dictatorship.