Khalistani leader trying to divide Hindu, Sikh communities in Canada: Ottawa MP Chandra Arya| WATCH

As diplomatic tensions between Canada and India continue to escalate, Canadian MP Chandra Arya has asked Hindus in the country to stay vigilant after Pro-Khalistan organisation Sikhs for Justice’s (SFJ) legal counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened them to leave as soon as possible. “A few days back Khalistan movement leader in Canada and the president of Sikhs for Justice which organizes the so-called referendum Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attacked Hindu-Canadians asking us to leave Canada and go back to India. I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack. I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant,” Arya said in a video message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The Liberal Party leader also urged people to report cases of Hinduphobia to local law enforcement agencies. He also alleged that Pannun is trying to provoke Hindus in Canada and create differences between the two communities. “Let me be clear. Vast majority of our Canadian Sikh brothers and sisters do not support Khalistan movement. Most Sikh Canadians may not publicly condemn the Khalistan movement for several reasons but they are deeply connected to the Hindu-Canadian community,” Arya added. A video of SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun circulated on social media where he can be heard saying, “Indo-Hindu leave Canada; go to India. You not only support India but you are also supporting the suppression of speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.” Meanwhile, India has issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students residing in Canada as well as those contemplating traveling to the country, asking them “to exercise utmost caution”. The advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has been issued in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada. “Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. India nationals are, therefore, advised to avoid travelling to regions and protentional venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the advisory stated.