'Khalistani Extremism Is Rooted In Political Patronage': Canadian MP Amid Diplomatic Row With India

Amid the worsening diplomatic row between India and Canada, a prominent Canadian MP of Indian origin has voiced growing concern over the threat of Khalistani elements, saying that the “persistence of extremism is rooted in the political patronage these extremists enjoy.”

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

As a Hindu Member of Parliament, Chandra Arya underlined the concerns of the minority community, including disruptive demonstrations and recent attacks on Canadian journalists. “The only way to have our concerns addressed is for Hindu Canadians to raise their voices and hold all politicians accountable. Together, we must ensure that our safety and interests are protected,” the Canadian MP, who represents Nepean in the House of Commons, said in a video message.

‘Let me be clear’

Underlining that Canada has long recognised the serious problem of Khalistani violent extremism, Chandra Arya 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, highlighted that Khalistani extremism 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 with India. “It is critical that we all recognize the importance of eliminating cross-border threats posed by Khalistani extremism and resume our efforts to address it effectively. The persistence of Canadian Khalistani extremism is rooted in the political patronage these extremists enjoy,” he added.

‘Political leaders in this country’

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.

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