"They are misleading Canadians": Chandra Arya criticizes politicians for dividing Hindus and Sikhs

Toronto [Canada], November 9, 2024: Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on November 3. Arya criticized politicians for mischaracterizing the attack as a Hindu-Sikh conflict, calling this portrayal "misleading and divisive."

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Arya addressed the broader Canadian public and both Hindu and Sikh communities, emphasizing the historical unity between the two groups. "On behalf of Hindu-Canadians and the vast majority of Sikh-Canadians, I strongly condemn the attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. Politicians are avoiding naming the Khalistanis responsible for this attack or are shifting blame elsewhere. They are misleading Canadians by framing this as an issue between Hindus and Sikhs," Arya stated.

Arya stressed that Hindus and Sikhs share deep family, social, and cultural ties that have united them for centuries. He urged both communities to reject divisive narratives: "Hindus and Sikhs have been united throughout history, are united today, and will continue to be united. We should not allow vested interests to divide us for political gain."

The MP further criticized politicians for positioning Hindus and Sikhs as opposing groups in the context of the temple attack, explaining that the real divide is between Hindu-Canadians and the majority of Sikh-Canadians on one side, and extremist Khalistani elements on the other. Arya’s statement echoed sentiments shared by Sikh leader and former British Columbia Premier Ujjal Dosanjh, who highlighted the significant influence Khalistani supporters hold over some Canadian Gurudwaras and noted that many Sikhs fear speaking out due to potential violence.

“Due to actions by certain politicians and the influence of Khalistani supporters, Canadians are mistakenly equating Khalistanis with Sikhs. Hindus and Sikhs alike must educate Canadians that we stand united against Khalistani extremism and those who support it politically,” Arya said.

Arya also called on Hindu and Sikh Canadians to make their voices heard at the polls, encouraging them to support leaders who explicitly denounce extremism. He urged communities to refrain from providing platforms to politicians who do not publicly condemn Khalistani extremism.

The attack on Hindu-Canadian devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple has sparked widespread outrage. A video of the incident was shared by the Hindu Canadian Foundation, which reported that Khalistani extremists targeted women and children within the temple premises. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian High Commission in Canada also condemned the violence, calling it a "violent disruption" by anti-India elements.

Arya’s statement is a call for solidarity among Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada, underscoring the importance of unity against extremism and the need for honest representation by political leaders.