Canadian MP Chandra Arya, of Indian origin, called for immediate government action in response to a disrespectful float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistani supporters on Saturday. Arya, a Hindu-Canadian legislator, strongly criticized the offensive portrayal of Gandhi during a protest outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. The float, featured during demonstrations commemorating the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, depicted the late PM’s death by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
In his statement, MP Chandra Arya expressed grave concern over Khalistani supporters in Vancouver attempting to sow fear of violence among Hindu-Canadians. Arya highlighted posters showing Gandhi’s body with bullet holes and labeling her bodyguards as assassins, stressing the seriousness of the situation. He urged Canadian law enforcement agencies to act promptly, warning that such imagery, especially the emphasis on the bindi on Gandhi’s forehead, could escalate tensions and endanger Hindu communities in Canada.
Arya also noted a previous incident involving a similar float in Brampton a few years ago, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation. Additionally, the Vancouver protest displayed posters echoing Operation Bluestar, a military operation targeting Khalistani extremists, including leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.
Organized by the “Sikhs for Justice” (SFJ) group, advocating for the Khalistan movement, the protest drew strong objections from the Indian government, which plans to file a formal diplomatic complaint with Canadian authorities. Despite previous incidents sparking outrage, including a similar occurrence in the Greater Toronto Area last year, anti-India activities continue in Canada with impunity. Canada’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Cameron Mackay, has previously condemned such glorification of violence, reiterating Canada’s commitment to combating hate and violence.
