A prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin expressed concern over what he termed the "pollution" of Canadian society by Khalistani extremists whom he feels are misusing the very freedoms enshrined in the Charter of Rights. The comment came on the heels of last week's vandalism of a Hindu temple in Edmonton.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Alberta, was defaced early Monday with graffiti that reportedly showed hateful and anti-India messages. This act occurred amid increasing incidents of Hinduphobia in Canada.
Chandra Arya, an MP for Nepean representing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, posted a video on his X account to speak about the issue. Arya castigated separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun from Sikhs for Justice after Pannun released a video calling on the MP and his Hindu-Canadian community to return to India after condemning the temple vandalism and other acts of aggression by Khalistan supporters in Canada.
He pointed out huge contributions of Hindus to the socio-economic development of Canada and underscored that they have enhanced the multi-cultural landscape of this nation. He condemned the acts of Khalistani extremists and said that they are misusing Canadian freedoms.
This statement has come amid the deteriorating ties between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Tensions spiked after Trudeau pointed to possible involvement by Indian agents in his killing. India has been critical of Canada for letting pro-Khalistan groups act with impunity and has been impressing upon Ottawa to take necessary steps to allay its concerns.
Other local officials have also come out to condemn the temple vandalism. In a statement on X the Consulate General of India in Vancouver condemned the defacement and called on Canadian authorities to investigate and act against those responsible. But so far there is no comment from the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, which manages the temple.
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