New Delhi: A prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin has spoken out against the rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada. Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament from Nepean, addressed the issue after receiving threats from separatists following the vandalism of a Hindu temple in Edmonton. The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Albertas Edmonton was vandalized with hateful and anti-India graffiti on Monday morning. What has MP Chandra Arya saidChandra Arya took to his social media account to condemn the vandalism and the threats he received from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a separatist leader of Sikhs for Justice. Pannun demanded that Arya and his Hindu-Canadian friends return to India after Arya criticized the acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada.Canada is our land: Chandra AryaIn his post, Arya emphasized the contributions of Hindu-Canadians to the country. We Hindus have come to our wonderful country, Canada, from all parts of the world. From South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and many other regions, we have made Canada our home. Canada is our land, he wrote. Arya, a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal Party, highlighted the positive impact of the Hindu community on Canadas socio-economic development and multicultural fabric.Watch the video here:In response to my condemnation of the vandalism of the Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton and other acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice has released a video demanding me and my Hindu-Canadian… pic.twitter.com/vMhnN45rc1— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) July 24, 2024Khalistani extremists in CanadaArya expressed deep concern over the activities of Khalistani extremists in Canada. He stated, Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms guaranteed by our Canadian Charter of Rights. This statement comes amidst strained relations between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year.Strained India-Canada relationsThe tension between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agents in Nijjars killing. India has consistently expressed its concerns over Canada providing space to pro-Khalistan elements and has urged Ottawa to take strong action against these groups.The vandalism at the BAPS temple has been condemned by other local elected representatives. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver issued a statement on social media, condemning the defacing of the temple and urging Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators. The BAPS organization, which runs the temple, has yet to respond publicly to the incident.
