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Canadian political parties greet Indian community on Diwali, Bandhi Chhor Diwas
Jagmeet Singh NDP also talks of the 1984 genocide
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Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, and Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, arrives to a press conference about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's investigation into / Reuters
Major political parties of Canada spare no opportunity to appease various minorities by joining their festivities besides issuing statements from time to time on issues facing them.
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in two separate statements issued separate statements to Mark Diwali and Bandhi Chhor Diwas, the leader of main Opposition Party, Pierre Poilievre, and leader of NDP, Jagmeet Singh, also joined the two-million strong Indo-Canadian community on the occasion of Diwali and Bandhi Chhor Diwas.
Jagmeet Singh also used the occasion to remind the Canadians and Human Rights advocates of the 40th remembrance of the 1984 Sikh Genocide. He said that his party would move a resolution in the House of Commons to recognise the 1984 atrocities as a genocide.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, in a statement on Diwali said: “Today, more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world come together to celebrate Diwali—the Festival of Lights!
“As one of the world’s oldest festivals, the spirit of Diwali transcends borders and cultures. Its colourful Rangoli are put on display in homes across the world, including here in Canada, where our thriving South Asian community continues to pass down the time-honoured traditions carefully preserved for millennia.
“As Canadians from all walks of life join in on these celebrations, Diwali reminds us of our shared values of faith, family and freedom. Together, we celebrate its enduring promise that, even in hard times, light will always triumph over darkness, knowledge will always trump ignorance, and good will always overcome evil.
“To everyone celebrating, may your Diwali celebrations be filled with prayers, dances, fireworks and sweets, and may the light of the Diya encourage you for the days ahead.
“On behalf of Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives, Happy Diwali!”, Pierre Poilievre said in his statement.
His statement comes in wake of a controversy stirred by a letter written by the Overseas Friends of India in Canada expressing its anguish over the cancellation by him of the traditional celebration of Diwali inside the House of Commons.
The Conservatives have been quoted in media saying that the event was not cancelled but would be organised soon. After the death of the longest serving Hindu member of House of Commons, Deepak Obhrai, the responsibility of holding the event was given to another MP, Todd Doherty.
No official statement on the issue has been posted on the party’s website till this evening.
Meanwhile, the leader of the fourth largest political party in the House of Commons, NDP, in a statement reminded Canadians and Human Rights advocates of the 40th remembrance of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.
Quoting party leader Jagmeet Singh, the statement said: ”We gather to honor the memory of those who were killed by brutal and targeted state-led acts of violence meant to erase a people. Sikh men were burned alive. Women were subject to unthinkable sexual violence and children were murdered. Survivors still reel from these atrocities.
“This genocide not only devastated families and communities but also left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Sikh diaspora and humanity as a whole.
“As we remember those who suffered and perished, we must also acknowledge that the wounds of the 1984 Sikh Genocide were ripped open in India’s most recent campaign of violence against Sikhs – this time on Canadian soil.
“We must now more than ever honor the lives lost by acknowledging the truth of this dark chapter in history. It is a moment to reflect on the profound impact of hatred and the importance of standing against injustice.
“As a first step, Canada's New Democrats will move a motion to recognize these atrocities as genocide.
“As we reflect on the pain and suffering endured by countless families until this day, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, healing, and remembrance.
“Never forget 1984," said Jagmeet Singh.
Jagmeet Singh also felicitated members of the Indo-Canadian community on the occasion of Bandhi Chhor Diwas and Diwali. In a statement, he said: “This week, people across the country will celebrate Diwali, Deepavali, and Bandhi Chhor Divas.
“Today on Diwali, families will come together to celebrate the festival of light, good prevailing over evil, and light over darkness. Families will come together to light lamps, exchange gifts, and take part in celebrations. On Friday for, Bandhi Chhor Divas, let’s remember the power of standing together, in solidarity, in the face of injustice.
“Today is moment to reflect on what makes Canada so great – our diversity, freedom of religion, and working towards building a better country.
“On behalf of all New Democrats, I wish everyone a happy Diwali, Deepavali, and Bandhi Chhor Divas!”, he said.
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