An Indo-Canadian MP has called the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, a “stark reminder” for Canadian politicians to condemn supporters of Khalistan who celebrate the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a statement posted on X, Liberal Party MP Chandra Arya emphasized the need for Canadian politicians to address the issue.
Public Celebrations and Controversial Displays
Arya’s statement comes after a parade in Brampton, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), on June 9, featured a float depicting an effigy of Indira Gandhi being fired upon by her bodyguards. The float, part of a parade marking the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, included posters declaring her “punishment” was “delivered” on October 31, 1984, the date of her assassination. A similar display was seen three days earlier during a protest at India’s Consulate in Vancouver. Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc, condemned the promotion of violence, stating, “The promotion of violence is never acceptable in Canada.”
Air India Bombing and Glorification of Terrorists
Arya also referred to the 1985 bombing of Air India flight 182, Kanishka, by Khalistani terrorists, which resulted in 329 deaths and remains the worst terrorist incident in Canadian history. Reports from the Globe and Mail on the eve of the bombing’s anniversary highlighted that a portrait of the mastermind, Talwinder Singh Parmar, hangs in the dining room of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, and is also featured on a “massive billboard” in the town.
Calls for Political Accountability
Arya urged Canadian politicians to:
Trudeau and Political Reactions
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not made any statements criticizing the glorification of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, he spoke to Trump following the assassination attempt. According to a PMO statement, “Trudeau condemned yesterday’s appalling assassination attempt and reiterated there’s no place for political violence.” Trudeau also posted on Sunday, “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.” Dominic LeBlanc added that “information we have to date shows no link to Canada.”
The assassination attempt on Trump has intensified discussions on political violence and the need for clear stances against celebrating acts of terrorism. Arya’s call to action underscores the importance of addressing these issues within Canada, particularly concerning the glorification of violent acts by Khalistani supporters.
