Arya Calls For Government to Recognize Threat of Khalistan Extremism

Nepean MP Chandra Arya is calling for the Government of Canada to recognize the threat Hindu-Canadians are facing due to Khalistani extremism in the country.

Arya, a Hindu-Canadian Member of Parliament who immigrated to Canada from India in 2006, participated in a Hindu event in Edmonton earlier this month. He needed protection from the RCMP because of the Khalistani protestors demonstrating against him at the event.

“We know that extremism and terrorism don’t recognize and are not limited to national borders,” Arya stated recently on the X platform. “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. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme stated at the same press conference: ‘There’s a violent, extremist threat in Canada that Canada and India have been working on over the years’.

“However, recent revelations and developments are impacting Canada and India’s ability to collaborate on this issue. 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.”

The comments by the Liberal MP were made as relations between India and Canada continued to erode.

The tension between India and the Trudeau Government escalated in June, 2023 when Hardeep Singh Nijjar was gunned down while sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of a Sikh Temple in Surrey, BC.

Nijjar immigrated from India to Canada in the 1990s. In 2019, Nijjar became the leader of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara in Surrey. He was involved with the Khalistan movement, which seeks Sikh separatism from India and the formation of a country called Khalistan in the Sikh majority state of Punjab.

The Indian government accused Nijjar of being a criminal and a terrorist, accusing him of being the leader of the militant group Khalistan Tiger Force.

Three months after Nijjar was killed, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons that there were credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing. India denied the allegations and called them “absurd” and “motivated.”

Last week, Trudeau admitted to the Commission of Inquiry that he only had intelligence but no proof of the Indian government’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing.

Arya, meanwhile, has made numerous statements in the House of Commons about Khalistani violent extremism and the threats facing Hindu Canadians.

“This is a Canadian problem, and it is the duty of all levels of our government and our law enforcement agencies to address it,” Arya said. “At Monday’s press conference, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin confirmed that the national task force is focused on investigating Khalistani violent extremism, among other threats.

Arya said that he is 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.

“To my fellow Hindu-Canadians: We are one of the most educated and successful communities in this country, contributing greatly to Canada’s progress,” Arya said. “Yet, our low profile 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 raise their voices and hold all politicians accountable. Together, we must ensure that our safety and interests are protected.”

Earlier in the week, Arya condemned recent attacks on Canadian journalists reporting on Khalistani extremism and violence in Canada. He asked the RCMP and other Canadian law agencies to take the problem seriously.

Arya stated in parliament that Calgary radio journalist Richi Nagar was attacked for covering a Khalistan protest. He also referenced the March 2023 assault of Richmond BC radio journalist Sameer Kaushal for covering a Khalistan protest, and the February 2022 attack on Brampton radio host Deepak Punj for criticizing Khalistan-related violence.

Featured Image: Nepean MP Chandra Arya says Khalistan extremist violence in Canada must be taken seriously.