In a powerful statement, Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned the attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton on November 3, and criticized politicians for misrepresenting the incident as a Hindu-Sikh issue. He argued that framing it this way is misleading and divisive, detracting from the true issue at hand.
In a post on the social media platform X, Arya said, “On behalf of Hindu-Canadians and the vast majority of Sikh-Canadians, I again strongly condemn the attack by Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. Politicians are deliberately avoiding recognizing and mentioning Khalistanis as responsible for this attack or are shifting the blame to other entities. They are misleading Canadians by framing this as an issue between Hindus and Sikhs. This is not true.”
Arya highlighted the deep historical bonds between Hindus and Sikhs, who have shared family, cultural, and social ties for centuries. He urged both communities to reject political narratives that aim to divide them. “Hindus and Sikhs have been united throughout history, are united today, and will continue to be united in the future,” Arya asserted, emphasizing that both groups should resist attempts to drive a wedge between them for political gain.
The Canadian MP also criticized politicians who he believes are portraying Hindus and Sikhs as opposing sides regarding the attack. “This picture is simply not true. The two sides are actually Hindu-Canadians and the vast majority of Sikh-Canadians on one side, and Khalistanis on the other,” he clarified. By doing so, Arya sought to distinguish between the peaceful Sikh majority and the minority of extremists advocating for Khalistan, a separatist movement.
Arya’s statement also drew attention to the influence Khalistani supporters exert over some Gurudwaras in Canada, quoting Sikh community leader and former British Columbia Premier Ujjal Dosanjh. Dosanjh has previously noted that a “silent majority” of Sikhs do not support Khalistan but often refrain from voicing their opposition due to fear of violent retaliation. He further indicated that many Canadian Gurudwaras are under the influence of Khalistani supporters, limiting open discourse on this sensitive issue.
Arya acknowledged the difficulty many Sikhs face in openly opposing extremism in certain spaces, particularly in Gurudwaras. Despite this, he urged them to leverage their political influence and voting power to support leaders who explicitly denounce Khalistani extremism. “Due to the deliberate actions of some politicians and the influence of Khalistanis, Canadians now mistakenly equate Khalistanis with Sikhs. Hindus and Sikhs alike must educate Canadians that we stand united in our fight against Khalistani extremists and their political backers,” he wrote, calling for solidarity against divisive narratives.
He further urged Hindu and Sikh communities across Canada to take two key actions: to let politicians know that Hindus and the vast majority of Sikh-Canadians stand united on one side, while Khalistanis are on the other, and to refrain from providing a platform at community events or temples to politicians who do not publicly condemn Khalistani extremism. “It is essential for community leaders to ensure that any event or gathering reflects this united stance against extremism,” Arya said, calling for a firm stance within the community to uphold unity and deter divisive influences.
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The Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton became the focal point of the controversy after Khalistani extremists reportedly attacked Hindu devotees, including children and women, on November 3. Following the incident, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit working for the Hindu community in Canada, shared a video of the attack, calling out Khalistani extremists for their actions.
The attack has attracted international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the incident in a post on X. The Indian High Commission in Canada also denounced what it called “violent disruption” by anti-India elements at a consular camp held near the temple. Modi’s condemnation added weight to Arya’s stance, as India has been increasingly vocal about its concerns over Khalistani extremism abroad, particularly in Canada.
Arya’s statement reflects a growing call for unity within Canada’s diverse communities, emphasizing the need to confront extremism without allowing it to sow division among peace-loving citizens. His message underscores the longstanding bonds between Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada, which he believes should not be undermined by politically motivated narratives or the actions of a few extremists. By appealing for solidarity, Arya aims to foster a collective resilience against those seeking to divide Canadians for political ends.
