'Do Not Wish For Canada To Interfere In...': Canadian MP Flags Khalistani Extremism Amid India Row

Indian-origin MP from Nepean Chandra Arya said the ideology responsible for the Kanishka bombing still resides inside few Canadian people. (Image: X)

The ties between India and Canada had come under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year

A prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin has voiced growing concern over the threat of Khalistani extremism in Canada, urging federal authorities and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against the fringe elements.

As a Hindu Member of Parliament, Arya underlined the concerns of Hindus across the country, including back-to-back disruptive demonstrations and recent attacks on Canadian journalists.

“I too have experienced these concerns firsthand. Last week, I was able to 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,” the Canadian, who represents Nepean in the House of Commons, said in a video message.

‘Violent, extremist threat in Canada’

Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Trudeau on Monday accused the Indian government of supporting criminal activities targeting Canadian citizens. India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its High Commissioner and five other diplomats from Ottawa.

The ties between India and Canada had come under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd” and “motivated”. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

‘Let me be clear’

Underlining that Canada has long recognised the serious problem of Khalistani violent extremism, he said. “Let me be clear: any actions or involvement by foreign state actors within Canada, in any form, are unacceptable.” Arya, who has been a vocal advocate for Hindu rights in the country, underscored Canada’s commitment to non-interference in the domestic affairs of other nations, while simultaneously demanding the same respect for Canada’s own internal matters.

He highlighted that this is fundamentally a Canadian problem requiring a comprehensive response. He cited RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin’s confirmation that a national task force is actively investigating Khalistani violent extremism. Recognising the transnational nature of extremism and terrorism, Arya stressed the need for international collaboration.

“On the issue of Canadian Khalistani violent extremism, we expect our federal government and its agencies to collaborate with other affected countries to protect our citizens,” he asserted. He referenced RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme’s acknowledgment of the shared threat, stating, “There’s a violent, extremist threat in Canada that Canada and India have been working on over the years.” “It is critical that we recognize the importance of eliminating cross-border threats posed by Khalistani extremism and resume our efforts to address it effectively,” he urged.

Arya pointed to the political patronage enjoyed by Khalistani extremists as a contributing factor to the persistence of this threat. Citing a Globe and Mail article by Andrew Coyne, he condemned the practice of Canadian politicians attending rallies that glorify terrorists or terrorist attacks. “Political leaders in this country should not encourage separatist movements, especially those that advocate or engage in violence,” he stressed.