Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) failed in its attempt to have the 1984 anti-Sikh riots recognised as genocide, as the motion faced stiff resistance in the House of Commons.
The motion, introduced by NDP MP Sukh Dhaliwal, was blocked by Liberal MP Chandra Arya, who claimed it was driven by a “politically powerful Khalistani lobby.” Arya was the sole MP present to oppose the motion, which required unanimous consent to pass.
Taking to social media, Arya explained his decision:
“The MP from Surrey-Newton sought unanimous consent to declare the 1984 riots in India against Sikhs as genocide. I was the only one to say NO, preventing its approval.”
Arya also alleged he was threatened inside Parliament after blocking the motion. “This is not the first time I’ve faced attempts to silence my concerns for Hindu-Canadians,” Arya said, calling for vigilance against what he termed a divisive agenda.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh accused Liberals and Conservatives of turning their backs on justice for the Sikh community, expressing frustration at their refusal to support the motion. “They had months to listen to the community’s concerns but chose to block this motion,” Singh said. Dhaliwal echoed this disappointment, highlighting the lack of support from both parties.
Arya, however, warned that the motion could resurface. “The Khalistani lobby will try again to push this agenda. I urge Hindu-Canadians to engage with their MPs to ensure it’s opposed in the future,” he said. While condemning the riots as “barbaric,” Arya argued that labelling them genocide risks polarising Canada’s Hindu and Sikh communities.
The 1984 riots, triggered by the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs. The Indian government has consistently rejected claims that the events constituted genocide, estimating the death toll at around 2,800.
Amid growing tensions between Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada, Arya reiterated his commitment to opposing motions he believes could destabilise community harmony. “We must stand united against divisive forces threatening peace and inclusivity in Canada,” he stated.
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