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| NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh addressed the media in the House of Commons foyer on Oct. 30, 2024. He criticized a Liberal MP’s claims that pro-Khalistan “extremists” had potentially infiltrated Canadian politics and law enforcement, echoing allegations made by the Indian government, which has been accused of endangering Canadians. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press captured this moment in a photograph. |
On Monday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh rebuked claims made by a Liberal MP, Chandra Arya, who alleged that pro-Khalistan “extremists” may have infiltrated Canadian politics and law enforcement agencies. Singh asserted that Arya’s statements parroted those of the Indian government, which has been accused of threatening and killing Canadians.
However, Arya was quick to fire back at Singh, accusing him of refusing to acknowledge the presence of “violent Khalistani extremism” in Canada and stating that Singh has “zero credibility” on the matter.
This exchange occurred following a violent clash between Sikh separatists and Hindu worshippers outside a Hindu temple in Brampton on Sunday. The incident prompted condemnation from Canadian political leaders and a swift response from the Modi government, amid ongoing tensions between Canada and India. These tensions stem from explosive allegations implicating Indian officials in Canada in homicides and threats against Canadians, which New Delhi has denied.
According to pro-Khalistan Sikh groups, they were protesting the presence of Indian consular officials at the temple when the violence erupted, resulting in three arrests and the suspension of an off-duty police officer who attended the demonstration. Arya blamed the pro-Khalistan protesters for crossing a “red line” and inciting the violence, which he saw as evidence of the deep-rooted and audacious nature of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.
In response, Singh accused Arya of escalating tensions with conspiracy theories and demanded that he cease his allegations, which mirror those made by a foreign government accused of serious violence and terror against Canadians. Singh called for an end to the violence, a united front against the Indian government, and a firm stance against any acts of violence occurring in places of prayer.
Arya, however, stood by his statements and criticized Singh for his refusal to acknowledge violent Khalistani extremism, despite the RCMP’s recent announcement of an active investigation into the matter. This announcement had previously heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Trudeau government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law following what he described as a “deliberate attack” on a Hindu temple in Canada. The police have not provided details on how the violence began.
Modi also condemned attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats, stating that such acts would not weaken India’s resolve. The diaspora group, Sikhs for Justice, which advocates for the creation of a Sikh state called “Khalistan” in Punjab, India, explained that the protest was sparked by concerns about Indian officials’ presence at similar events in the past, where they allegedly targeted Sikh separatists.
They claimed that the demonstration had been peaceful until the worshippers attacked them and accused Indian officials and Arya of inciting violence. Social media videos show violent clashes, including fistfights, flag attacks, and stone-throwing.
Canadian political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford, swiftly condemned the violence at the Hindu temple, asserting that everyone has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. They emphasized that such acts of violence are unacceptable and that no one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.
