On Wednesday, a prominent Canadian MP of Indian descent criticized the growing influence of Khalistani extremists in Canada, claiming they are “polluting” the nation by misusing the freedoms granted under the Charter of Rights. This statement followed an incident where the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized with anti-India graffiti.
Chandra Arya, MP for Nepean and a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, highlighted the incident on social media. He condemned the temple vandalism and expressed concern about hate-driven violence by Khalistan supporters. Arya also shared that separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun from Sikhs for Justice had released a video demanding that Arya and his Hindu-Canadian associates return to India.
Arya emphasized the contributions of the Hindu community to Canada’s socio-economic development and cultural diversity. He criticized Khalistani extremists for abusing Canadian freedoms and expressed frustration over the escalating tensions between India and Canada, which have been strained since the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia last year.
India has raised concerns about Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements, urging Ottawa to take decisive action. The Indian Consulate in Vancouver has condemned the vandalism and called for a thorough investigation, but there has been no official response from the temple management as of yet.
