New Delhi: Indian-origin Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has expressed concern over the issue of ‘Khalistani extremism’ in Canada, highlighting the threat it poses to Hindu Canadians.
Arya emphasised that this issue transcends borders and called on Canadian authorities at all levels to address it, both in Canada and abroad in collaboration with other affected nations.
“We know that extremism and terrorism don’t recognise and are not limited to national borders. On Canadian Khalistani violent extremism, as Canadians, we expect our federal government and its agencies to collaborate with other affected countries to protect our citizens,” said Arya, the Nepean MP from Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party.
In a video statement posted on ‘X’, Arya shared his personal experience of when he was in need of protection from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to attend a Hindu event in Edmonton. The event was disrupted by protests organised by ‘Khalistani extremists’.
“As a Hindu Member of Parliament, I too have experienced these concerns firsthand,” he said, acknowledging the widespread unease among Hindu-Canadians. Arya also noted that many members of the Hindu community in Canada have voiced their fears in light of escalating violence and hate speech linked to the ‘Khalistan movement’.
Text of my statement:
I have heard concerns from Hindus across Canada regarding recent developments. As a Hindu Member
of Parliament, I too have experienced these concerns firsthand.
Last week, I could safely participate in a Hindu event in Edmonton only under the protection of… pic.twitter.com/mf7hhoxnEL
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) October 16, 2024
Arya noted that, while the Canadian government has established a task force to investigate ‘Khalistani violent extremism’ among other threats, the Hindu community has received little reassurance regarding their safety.
“I have yet to hear any politician or government official offer reassurance to Hindu Canadians, many of whom feel concerned and fearful for their safety in light of recent events,” he said.
He also pointed out that no politician or government official has publicly addressed these concerns. Additionally, Arya criticised the political patronage that empowers ‘Khalistani extremists’ in Canada.
“This is a Canadian problem, and it is the duty of all levels of our government and law enforcement agencies to address it,” Arya declared.
“The persistence of Canadian Khalistani extremism is rooted in the political patronage these extremists enjoy,” he added.
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India and Canada need to work together
Arya echoed RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme’s statement at a press conference this month, emphasising the importance of collaboration between India and Canada in addressing violent extremism.
The Liberal MP, however, also pointed out that diplomatic tensions between the two countries have made this cooperation more challenging.
“The recent revelations and developments are impacting the ability of Canada and India to collaborate on this issue,” Arya said, highlighting the need to overcome these obstacles. “It is critical that we all recognize the importance of eliminating cross-border threats posed by Khalistani extremism and resume our efforts to address it effectively,” he added.
He was firm in his stance against any form of foreign interference in Canada’s domestic matters. “Let me be clear: any actions or involvement by foreign state actors within Canada, in any form, are unacceptable.”.
He emphasised that just as Canada does not wish to interfere in other nations’ internal affairs, foreign governments should not interfere in Canada’s, especially in matters related to ‘Khalistani extremism’.
Vocal critic of ‘Khalistani extremism’
Chandra Arya has consistently spoken up for the Hindu-Canadian community and has been a vocal critic of ‘Khalistani extremism’, particularly targeting the rhetoric of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun—a designated terrorist in India.
Arya said he views the ‘Khalistani movement’ as an attempt to divide Hindus and Sikhs, asserting that the majority of Sikhs do not support this extremist agenda.
In July, Arya declared that Canada is the rightful home of Hindu-Canadians, who have a long and proud history in the country. He highlighted how Hindu-Canadians, through their culture and heritage, have significantly enriched Canada’s multicultural society.
Arya’s statement came after the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, and a video released by Pannun where he demanded that Hindu Canadians “go back to India” and targeted Arya by name.
In September 2023, Arya had urged the Hindu community to remain calm and vigilant in the face of growing Hinduphobia within Canadian society. He encouraged Hindus to report any incidents of hate or discrimination, emphasising that such cases should not go unnoticed or unaddressed.
Closing his video, Arya pledged commitment to advocate for the Hindu Canadian community. He urged Hindu Canadians to raise their voices and “hold all politicians accountable”.
Amid Trudeau’s plummeting ratings among the public and within the party, Chandra Arya reiterated his belief that Trudeau is the right person to lead the Liberal Party into the next election.
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