Canadian MP Raises Alarm As Khalistan Supporters Put Up Posters Depicting Indira Gandhi's Assassination

Expressing concern over the issue, the Canadian member of parliament, Chandra Arya stressed that if these threats continues to remain unchallenged, they "might lead to something real".

Chandra Arya, Indian-origin Canadian member of Parliament on Saturday raised alarm after Khalistani supporters in Canada installed posters of Indira Gandhi's assassination around the country.

The Canadian MP claimed that the Khalistani supporters were attempting to "instil fear of violence in 'Hindu-Canadians'" by putting up posters of the assasination of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He stated that the posters showed bullet holes in her body with her Sikh bodyguards who assassinated her, holding guns, news agency ANI reported.

Recalling a similar float of threats that were spread a few years ago, Arya, stated in a post on X: "Khalistan supporters in Vancouver with posters, of Hindu Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi body with bullet holes with her bodyguards turned assassins holding their guns, are again attempting to instil fear of violence in Hindu-Canadians."

"This is a continuation of threats with a similar float in Brampton couple of years back and few months back Pannu of Sikhs for Justice asking Hindus to go back to India. I again call on law enforcement agencies in Canada to take immediate action," he added.

Expressing concern over the issue, the Canadian member of parliament stressed that if these threats continues to remain unchallenged, they might lead to something real.

"With picture of guns readily being used to convey the message may lead to something real if this is left to continue unchallenged," he tweeted.

Refering to the bindi on Indira Gandhi's forehead, which was seen on the posters that were put up, Arya emphasised that this was to hint and make "doubly sure" that the intended targets were Hindu-Canadians, the report stated.

"The prominence of the bindi on the forehead of Indira Gandhi is to make doubly sure the intended targets are Hindus in Canada," Arya
wrote.

Incidents Of Khalistan Extremism Reported In Canada Over Past Years

Notably, various incidents of Khalistan extremism have been reported in Canada over the past few years. Last year, in June, a tableau parade was organised in Canada to celebrate Indira Gandhi's assassination, drawing severe criticism from India.

In March 2024, Khalistan supporters staged a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Canada, where they raised pro-Khalistan slogans. They also allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists who were present on the spot.

Besides this, incidents of multiple temples being vandalised in Canada with anti-India graffiti by pro-Khalistani protestors, have also emerged. This has significantly impacted the India-Canada ties.

Last month, a few Khalistani supporters chanted "anti-India slogans" in a Nagar Kirtan Parade that was organised by the Ontario Gurudwara Committee (OGC) in Canada.

Codemning this incident strongly, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the "celebration and glorification of violence" shouldn't be accepted in a civilised society.

MEA Expresses Concern Over 'Anti-India' Incidents In Canada

Lashing at the the Canadian government, The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, asked the government to stop providing criminals a safe haven.

"We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear," Randhir Jaiswal said.

"We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in
Canada," he added.

The MEA Spokesperson had also flagged concerns over the float depicting the "assassination of our former Prime Minister".

"As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership. Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former Prime Minister was used in a procession.Display of posters of Indian diplomats have also been put out across Canada threatening violence against them," Jasiwal stated.