In reaction to a string of assaults and acts of vandalism against religious sites that he blames on Khalistani radicals, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has made a passionate plea for harmony between the Hindu and Sikh populations in Canada. The recent vandalism of the Laxmi Narayan Mandir in British Columbia, according to Ottawa Nepean representative Arya, is a “chilling reminder” of the increasing power of Khalistani fanaticism in Canada.
He emphasized that these extreme organizations have substantial political support in addition to being well-funded and well-organized, which allows them to “successfully silence Hindu voices across Canada” and establish their supremacy.
The issues raised by Arya go beyond assaults on Hindu establishments. He said that pro-Khalistan graffiti and intimidation techniques have also been used against Sikh places of worship, including the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver. He pointed out that these acts are not unique but rather are a part of a larger strategy by a tiny minority of Khalistan-supporting Sikh separatists who are trying to instill fear and division in both communities.
In his public remarks, Arya has denounced the propensity of certain politicians to frame these instances as a Hindu-Sikh struggle, contending that this framing is both deceptive and polarizing.
He emphasized that the great majority of both groups are still united against extremism and that Hindus and Sikhs in Canada have historically had close social, cultural, and familial links. Arya said that “silence is no longer an option” and asked people in both areas to “rise with urgency” and demand prompt, decisive action from authorities at all levels of government.
In light of growing Hinduphobia and extremist threats, Arya further criticized Canadian political leaders and bureaucrats for failing to reassure the Hindu-Canadian community. He emphasized the gravity of the threat and the necessity of strong law enforcement response by sharing his own experiences of needing police protection to attend Hindu festivities because of disruptive protests by Khalistani demonstrators.
In his remarks, Arya calls on political leaders to clearly recognize the problem, exhorts Sikh and Hindu Canadians to unite against Khalistani extremism, and demands prompt government action to protect all populations from threats and violence.
