India has consistently urged Canada to take stronger action against pro-Khalistan elements, which it believes are damaging relations between the two countries
Indian Americans are increasingly focusing on the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with many NRI associations across the US, Canada, and the UK voicing their support for the Congress Party, led by Bhupinder Hooda. During a Zoom meeting attended by 58 NRI organizations, the consensus was clear: they are backing Congress to lead Haryana forward.
Randhir Singh from Tohana, a key figure in organizing support, invited over 100 NRIs from the US, Canada, and the UK to endorse Congress candidates in the elections. Vikram JS Bajwa of the Indus Canada Foundation emphasized the collective decision, reinforcing the support behind Hooda. Dr. Sanjiv Bishnoi from Toronto highlighted Bhupinder Hooda’s vision to elevate Haryana to the top of the state rankings, drawing on his reputation for effective leadership.
While the political momentum builds in Haryana, another significant issue affecting the Indian diaspora surfaced in Canada. On the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka Air India Flight 182 bombing, Canadian MP Chandra Arya made a poignant statement in parliament. He condemned the bombing, which was orchestrated by Khalistani extremists and led to the deaths of 329 people, marking the largest mass killing in Canadian history.
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Chandra Arya also warned of the dangers posed by extremists exploiting Canadian freedoms
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He voiced concerns that the nation’s Charter of Rights is being misused by certain groups, particularly Khalistani extremists, to further their agenda
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His speech comes at a time of heightened tension between India and Canada, exacerbated by the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, last year
Arya didn’t just reflect on the past; he also criticized the continued presence of Khalistani elements in Canada. “Even today, the ideology responsible for this terrorist attack is still alive among a few people in Canada,” Arya stated in his speech at the House of Commons.
He went further, addressing the petition on the parliamentary portal, which seeks a new inquiry into the bombing, calling it an effort to promote conspiracy theories by Khalistani extremists. Arya stood firmly against the petition, echoing the sentiments of Bal Gupta, whose wife Rama was among the victims. Gupta described the petition as an “attempt to gain publicity and support for terrorist activities.”
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