A member of Parliament with Liberal affiliations has criticized the recent parliamentary decision to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist and India-designated terrorist who was killed. Chandra Arya, representing Nepean, expressed dissatisfaction with his government’s stance, citing concerns about Nijjar’s alleged extremist connections as reported by The Globe and Mail.
In an interview with the newspaper, Arya highlighted the exclusivity of parliamentary honors, stating that such moments of silence are typically reserved for individuals who have significantly served Canadians throughout their lives, which he believes does not apply to Nijjar. He questioned the decision to elevate Nijjar’s status, particularly considering “credible allegations” linking his killing to a foreign government.
MPs from various parties observed a moment of silence on June 18 to mark the anniversary of Nijjar’s death outside a gurdwara in Surrey, BC. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had linked Nijjar’s killing 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, raised concerns about Nijjar’s background. He pointed to findings suggesting Nijjar’s entry into Canada using a fake passport, promotion of violence, association with Sikh militants supporting Khalistan in Punjab, presence on Canada’s no-fly list, and multiple police questioning instances.
The MP also expressed worries about Khalistan supporters spreading conspiracy theories about the 1985 Air India bombing, which claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadians. Canadian inquiries linked the bombing to Sikh extremists, including Talwinder Singh Parmar identified as the mastermind, who was later killed by Indian police.
Recent disruptions at Air India bombing memorials by Khalistan supporters were condemned by victims’ families. Deepak Khandelwal, who lost his sisters in the bombing, criticized the recognition of Nijjar by the Trudeau government, fearing it could embolden extremist elements.
While the NDP defended honoring Nijjar as a Canadian killed on Canadian soil allegedly by a foreign government, the Conservative Party declined to comment. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland reiterated Canada’s commitment to protecting Canadians’ rights, while a Concordia professor dismissed allegations implicating the Indian government in the Air India bombing as “totally, totally absurd.”