Ottawa: On Saturday, October 5th, pro-Khalistani supporters protested against Hindu Liberal MP Chandra Arya during an event organised by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) in Calgary, Canada. The protesters raised slogans such as "Arya is Indian, not Canadian," "Arya is Modi’s agent," and "Go back, go back," as tensions flared at the event.
A video shared by investigative journalist Mocha Bezirgan on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showed Khalistani separatists disrespecting an Indian flag and displaying a poster that featured Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The poster branded them as "Enemies of Sikhs" and the "Face of Hindu terror."
Another video captured a local Calgary resident confronting the protesters, expressing frustration over the demonstration in his neighborhood, stating, "You are scaring people." Despite his request for the group to leave, the Khalistani supporters defended their protest as "peaceful."
The protest was reportedly organised by the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which is linked to terrorist activities. The protesters also displayed posters accusing Indian officials of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. One poster read "Enemies of Canada" alongside images of PM Modi and other Indian leaders.
Additionally, a poster depicting the faces of both Chandra Arya and PM Modi labeled Arya as an "Indo-Canadian Hindu Terrorist" and the "Face of India’s foreign interference." The protester holding the poster had obscured his identity.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of threats against Arya by SFJ. In July 2024, SFJ’s founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun publicly demanded that Arya leave Canada, accusing him of promoting Indian interests and opposing Canadian values. Pannun also threatened Arya following his condemnation of vandalism at Hindu temples in Canada.
Arya has been vocal in calling for action against rising extremism, citing numerous incidents of hate crimes targeting Hindu temples across the country. He has repeatedly urged Canadian authorities to take the threats posed by Khalistani extremists seriously, warning that their rhetoric could lead to violence against Hindu-Canadians. Despite these ongoing challenges, Arya remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of the Hindu community in Canada.
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