Chandra Arya, a prominent Canadian Member of Parliament of Indian origin, recently highlighted the issue of Khalistani extremists “polluting” Canada by misusing the freedoms provided under the Charter of Rights.
This statement came in response to the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Alberta, which was defaced with hateful and anti-India graffiti amidst rising Hinduphobia in Canada. Arya, representing Nepean in the House of Commons, condemned these acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters and called for action against such extremists.
Arya’s condemnation was met with a provocative video from separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, who demanded that Arya and his Hindu-Canadian associates return to India. In his response, Arya emphasized that Hindus have made significant contributions to Canada’s socio-economic development, coming from various parts of the world including South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya
He reiterated that Canada is home to Hindus and that their cultural and heritage contributions have enriched the country’s multicultural fabric.
Expressing concern over the increasing activities of Khalistani extremists, Arya accused them of exploiting the freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights to further their agenda. He lamented the damage these extremists are causing to the social cohesion and multicultural harmony of Canada.
Arya’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among many Indian-origin Canadians regarding the unchecked activities of pro-Khalistan elements in the country.
This incident occurred amid already strained relations between India and Canada, especially following the assassination of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year.
The ties worsened when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing, which India has denied. India has consistently urged Canada to take stronger actions against pro-Khalistan groups operating with apparent impunity on Canadian soil.
Local elected officials and the Consulate General of India in Vancouver have also condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. The consulate called for a thorough investigation and prompt action against the perpetrators.
Despite this, the BAPS organization, which runs the temple, has not yet issued a response. The situation underscores the broader issue of Hinduphobia and the activities of extremist groups in Canada, calling for a balanced approach to protect multiculturalism and ensure community safety.
