Toronto [Canada], December 7: Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya took a strong stance in the House of Commons, opposing a motion that sought to label the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India as genocide. Arya’s single objection was enough to block the motion from passing, but he expressed concerns over future attempts by what he described as the “politically powerful Khalistani lobby.”
Strong Opposition in Parliament
Sharing his stance on X (formerly Twitter), Arya said:
“Today, the Member of Parliament from Surrey-Newton attempted to have the Parliament declare the 1984 riots in India against Sikhs as a genocide. I was the only Member present in the House to say NO, and my single objection was enough to prevent this motion from being approved.”
He revealed facing immediate threats within the Parliament building for opposing the motion but affirmed his commitment to speaking up for the Hindu-Canadian community.
“While I am proud of having stopped this divisive agenda from succeeding today, we cannot afford to be complacent. Next time, we may not be as fortunate,” Arya said, warning that the motion could be reintroduced.
Call to Action for Hindu-Canadians
Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to engage proactively with their local MPs to ensure the motion is blocked in the future.
“I urge all Hindu-Canadians to act now. Reach out to your local Members of Parliament and secure their commitment to oppose this motion whenever it arises,” Arya said.
He acknowledged the tragic events of 1984, emphasizing the brutality of the riots while rejecting the characterization of them as genocide.
“Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives in those horrific events, and we all condemn this brutality without reservation. However, labelling these tragic and dreadful riots as a genocide is misleading and unjustified,” Arya explained.
Unity Over Division
Arya highlighted the potential for such assertions to deepen divides between Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada:
“Such an assertion fuels the agenda of anti-Hindu forces and risks driving a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. We must not let these divisive elements succeed in destabilizing harmony.”
Standing Against Khalistani Influence
Arya expressed his concerns over the influence of Khalistani elements in Canadian politics and their ability to push motions that could destabilize community relationships.
“The only way to prevent Canada’s Parliament from declaring the 1984 riots as genocide is by ensuring that every MP—or at least a significant number of MPs—stand up and say NO when unanimous consent is sought,” he said.
A United Front for the Future
Calling for unity among Hindu-Canadians, Arya concluded:
“Let us stand united against this anti-Hindu agenda and safeguard our communities.”
