Canadian MP Chandra Arya opposes motion declaring 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide | WATCH

Toronto: Chandra Arya, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Canada, has spoken out against a motion attempting to label the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide. Arya, who was the only MP present in the House of Commons to oppose the motion, blocked its passage.

In a post shared on X , Arya explained, "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."

Arya also revealed that following his objection, he faced threats within the Parliament building.

"Immediately after this, I was threatened inside the parliament building for standing up and saying no. There have been several attempts, both within the parliament and outside, to stop me from freely and publicly voicing the concerns of Hindu-Canadians," he added.

The MP warned that the motion could be brought forward again.

"The politically powerful Khalistani lobby will undoubtedly try again to push for Parliament to label the 1984 riots as genocide," Arya said.

"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," he added.

Arya urged Hindu-Canadians to take action, calling on them to reach out to their MPs to ensure the motion is blocked in the future.

"I urge all Hindu-Canadians to act now. Reach out to your local Members of Parliament and secure their commitment to oppose this motion whenever it arises. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, which followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, were undeniably barbaric," he said.

While condemning the violence of the riots, Arya emphasised that labeling the events as genocide would be misleading.

He said, "Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives in those horrific events, and we all condemn this brutality without reservation. However, labelling these tragic and dreadful riots as a genocide is misleading and unjustified."

Arya stressed that such a move would deepen divisions between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada.

"Such an assertion fuels the agenda of anti-Hindu forces and risks driving a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada," he explained.

"We must not let these divisive elements succeed in their efforts to destabilize harmony," he added.

In conclusion, Arya reaffirmed his commitment to defending the Hindu community and called for unity.

"Once again, I call upon Hindu-Canadians to reach out to your MPs and firmly request their opposition to this Khalistani-driven narrative. Let us stand united against this anti-Hindu agenda and safeguard our communities."

ANI