A Liberal MP from the ruling government has once again raised concerns about the safety of the Hindus in Canada, reiterating that the minority community is fearful in the wake of growing threats from Khalistani groups in the country. “There are concerns about the safety of Hindu Canadians here. Hindu-Canadians are fearful,” India-origin lawmaker Chandra Arya said in an interview with the outlet CBC News.

He condemned threats against Hindu Canadians following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey. During the interview, Arya quoted Canadian commentator Andrew Coyne’s column who said, “The risk of ethnic and sectarian bloodshed in Canada is real.”

The Liberal MP’s warning about the growing menace of the Khalistan movement comes in the wake of recent threats against the Hindu community from Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. SFJ’s Pannun, a designated terrorist in India, has threatened Hindus in Canada and told them to leave the country. The Khalistani separatist also called on Canadian Sikhs to vote in a so-called referendum scheduled for October 29 in Vancouver. After Pannun’s video went viral, the Canadian government came forward to express its disapproval of such actions, emphasising that there is no place for hate in the country.

“There is no place in Canada for hate. The circulation of an online video in which Hindu Canadians are told to leave Canada is offensive and hateful and is an affront to all Canadians and the values we hold dearly,” Public Safety Canada said in a post on X this week. “Acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear have no place in this country and only serve to divide us. We urge all Canadians to respect one another and follow the rule of law. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities,” it added.

As the situation in Canada continues to escalate, India issued an advisory asking its nationals in the country and those planning to travel to exercise utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and violence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.