Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemns Khalistani extremism, urges govt reassurance to Hindus – Times of India

Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned the Khalistanis’ extremism and said that he is yet to hear any politician or government official offering reassurance to Hindu-Canadian.
In a video message, the MP in Canada said that he can participate in Hindu events only when he is given full security as a group of Khalistani protesters staged a disruptive demonstration against him from threats like terrorism and extremism.
“Hindus across Canada regarding recent developments. As a Hindu member of parliament, I too have experienced these concerns. First time last week I could safely participate in a Hindu event in Edmonton only under the protection of RCMP officers. As a group of Khalistani protesters staged a disruptive demonstration against me in Canada, we have long recognized the serious problems of Khalistani violent extremism,” he said.

Recalling the Monday’s press conference, Arya said that the RCMP assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gawain has confirmed that the national task force is focused on investigating Khalistani violent extremism and among other threats.
“There’s a violent, extremist threat in Canada that Canada and India have been working on over the years,” Arya quoted Gawain as saying.
He further said that recent developments have significantly impacted Canada and India’s ability to collaborate on the issue of Khalistan and stressed the need to “recognise the importance of eliminating cross-border threats posed by Khalistani extremism.”
The Canadian MP also recalled Andrew Coyne’s piece in the Global Mail on September 22 of 2023 about Canadian politicians attending rallies where terrorists were glorified and terrorist attacks praised, political leaders in this country of all countries should not be encouraging separate this movement in others, especially those that advocate or engage in violence.
“Unfortunately, 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 the light of recent events,” he said.
“To my fellow hindu Canadians, we are one of the most educated and trusted communities in this country, contributing greatly to Canada’s progress. At our low profile, he is often mistaken for weakness by politicians. I pledge to do my best to advocate on your behalf. However, my efforts alone are not enough. The only way to have our concerns addressed is for hindu Canadians to to raise their voices and hold all politicians accountable. Together, we must ensure that our safety and interests are protected,” he added.
In the video message, Arya said that any interference of foreign states in Canada’s internal matter is “unacceptable.” He also said that this is the Canadian problem which have to address it.
” Let me be clear, any actions or involvement by foreign state actors within Canada in any form are unacceptable. As Canadians, we do not wish for Canada to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. Likewise, we do not want foreign governments interfering in Canadas domestic matters, including those involving Khalistani extremism. This is a canadian problem and it is duty of all levels of our government and our law enforcement agencies to address it,” he said.
The relationship between India and Canada deteriorated after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed that he has “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India has refuted all the claims, describing them as “absurd” and “motivated,” and has accused Canada of providing a platform for extremist and anti-India elements within their borders.
Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year.
The latest diplomatic dispute arose when Canada identified India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into Nijjar’s death.
On Monday, India expelled six Canadian diplomats just hours after summoning Canada’s Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and informing him that the “baseless targeting” of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials in Canada was entirely unacceptable.