Canadian MP Urges Action Against Khalistani Extremism Amidst Diplomatic Tensions with India

Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced concerns about Khalistani extremism, emphasizing the importance of Canada's sovereignty. He called for urgent action by law enforcement, amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India over allegations in the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has highlighted the growing concerns over Khalistani extremism within the nation, stressing the government's longstanding recognition of the issue's gravity. Arya declared that Canada's sovereignty is inviolable, and any meddling by foreign entities is utterly intolerable.

In a revealing post on X platform this Wednesday, Arya detailed an incident from two weeks ago, where he required protection from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to attend a Hindu gathering in Edmonton. The event was marred by a disruptive protest by Khalistani demonstrators, underscoring what Arya described as the 'serious problem' of Khalistani extremism in Canada. He reiterated the inviolability of Canadian sovereignty and condemned any foreign intervention on Canadian soil.

Arya urged law enforcement to address the threats of Khalistani violent extremism with the seriousness they warrant, highlighting that this issue transcends borders. He referenced the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's national task force as being pivotal in the investigation of these extremism incidents.

The diplomatic relationship between Canada and India has become strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year alleged in Parliament that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India, having dismissed these claims as 'absurd' and 'motivated', has countered by accusing Canada of harboring extremist anti-India factions.

Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency in 2020, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June of the previous year. The situation intensified when Canada identified India's High Commissioner and additional diplomats as 'persons of interest' in the subsequent investigation into Nijjar's death.

(With inputs from agencies.)