Indian-origin Canadian MP Chandra Arya on Saturday expressed concern over Khalistani supporters in Canada putting up posters of former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Arya, a Hindu Canadian lawmaker condemned the derogatory portrayal of Gandhi during a rally outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. The float, which was part of demonstrations celebrating the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, featured India's late Prime Minister, who was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31 1984.
“Khalistan supporters in Vancouver with posters, of Hindu Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi’s body with bullet holes with her bodyguards turned assassins holding their guns, are again attempting to instil fear of violence in Hindu-Canadians," Arya said in a post on X.
Chanda Arya said that the recent incident was a threat to Canadian Hindus with a similar float in Brampton a few years ago. He once again "called on law enforcement agencies in Canada to take immediate action."
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc said that promoting violence is never acceptable in the country. “This week, there were reports of imagery depicting the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Vancouver. The promotion of violence is never acceptable in Canada," he wrote.
The protest was organised by the "Sikhs for Justice" (SFJ) group, a separatist organization that supports the Khalistan movement. The Indian government has already expressed great concerns over increasing Khalistan activities. According to several media reports, Indian officials plan to convey a formal diplomatic complaint to Canadian authorities.