Chandra Arya, a Canadian Member of Parliament, firmly opposed a motion labeling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India as genocide. His single objection in the House of Commons stopped the motion from passing. Chandra Arya later shared his experience and concerns about the “politically powerful Khalistani lobby” pushing the motion again.
Arya’s Bold Stand in Parliament
Arya described the event in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Today, the Member of Parliament from Surrey-Newton attempted to have the Parliament declare the 1984 riots in India against Sikhs as a genocide. He sought unanimous consent from all Members in the House of Commons to pass his motion. I was the only Member present in the House to say NO, and my single objection was enough to prevent this motion from being approved.”
Immediately after, Arya faced threats inside Parliament for his decision. Despite the intimidation, he stood firm. He warned, “We cannot afford to be complacent. Next time, we may not be as fortunate.”
Warning About Future Attempts
Arya cautioned that the motion might return. He said, “The politically powerful Khalistani lobby will undoubtedly try again to push for Parliament to label the 1984 riots as genocide. There is no guarantee I will be in the House to block it the next time any other Member, from any political party, attempts to bring this motion forward.”
To counter this, Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to act now. He encouraged them to contact their MPs and secure their opposition to the motion. “Reach out to your local Members of Parliament and secure their commitment to oppose this motion whenever it arises,” Arya advised.
Condemning the Violence, Opposing Misinformation
Arya condemned the tragic events of 1984. He said, “Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives in those horrific events, and we all condemn this brutality without reservation.” However, he explained why calling it genocide is misleading. “Labelling these tragic and dreadful riots as a genocide is misleading and unjustified,” he stated.
Arya added that this characterization fuels divisive agendas. He warned, “Such an assertion fuels the agenda of anti-Hindu forces and risks driving a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. We must not let these divisive elements succeed.”
A Call for Unity and Action
Arya called on Hindu-Canadians to stand united. He urged them to reach out to their MPs and firmly oppose the motion. “Let us stand united against this anti-Hindu agenda and safeguard our communities,” he said.
Arya concluded by emphasizing the importance of vigilance. He reminded the community that their collective action can prevent Parliament from passing such divisive motions in the future.