MP Chandra Arya Criticizes Moment of Silence for Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canadian Parliament
Chandra Arya, MP for Nepean, has voiced his discontent with the Canadian Parliament’s decision to hold a moment of silence for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist and India-designated terrorist. Arya criticized the elevation of Nijjar’s status, citing credible allegations of his ties to extremism.
On June 18, MPs from all parties observed a moment of silence for Nijjar, who was fatally shot outside his gurdwara in Surrey, BC, a year earlier. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked the incident to credible allegations involving the Indian government, leading to strained diplomatic relations.
Arya, known for advocating stronger ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and opposing Khalistan separatist movements, expressed concern over Nijjar’s background. He highlighted findings that Nijjar had entered Canada using a fake passport, promoted violence, and was associated with Sikh militants advocating for Khalistan in Punjab.
The investigation also revealed Nijjar’s presence on Canada’s no-fly list and multiple instances of police questioning. Arya also mentioned worries about elements within the Khalistan movement propagating conspiracy theories about the 1985 Air India bombing, which claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadians.
Recent disruptions by Khalistan supporters at Air India bombing memorials prompted condemnation from the families of the victims. Deepak Khandelwal, who lost his sisters in the bombing, criticized the Trudeau government’s recognition of Nijjar, fearing it could embolden extremist elements.
Despite controversies, the NDP defended honouring Nijjar, emphasizing the significance of a Canadian killed on Canadian soil, allegedly by a foreign government. The Conservative Party declined to comment, while Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting Canadians’ rights.
Mahesh Sharma, a professor at Concordia’s School of Business, dismissed allegations implicating the Indian government in the Air India bombing as ‘totally, totally absurd,’ emphasizing personal loss from the tragedy.
