World Sikh Organization disappointed by lack of commemoration of 1984 Sikh Genocide by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders

In November 2017, Indian Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri also referred to the events of November 1984 as a “genocide”.

Most recently, on July 20, 2018, Rajnath Singh again, in the Indian Parliament or Lok Sabha, referred to the massacre of Sikhs as a “genocide”. On June 30, 2015, The Delhi Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the following motion:

“This House strongly condemns the Sikh genocide happened 30years back in November 1984 and pays homage to the people killed.”

WSO President Mukhbir Singh said on Tuesday, “we are deeply disappointed that both Prime Minister Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s did not commemorate the 1984 Sikh Genocide. The 1984 Sikh Genocide is an issue that continues to matter to Sikh Canadians. Thousands of Sikhs were killed across India in politically orchestrated massacres. Those responsible for planning and organizing the killings have never been brought to justice. Canada can play an important role in achieving truth and reconciliation for the victims of the 1984 Sikh genocide by encouraging India to prosecute those responsible. We fail to understand why Prime Minister Trudeau was able to issue a statement in 2014 but has not done so since becoming Prime Minister. Similarly, the Ontario Legislature recognized the 1984 Sikh Genocide through a motion that was supported by the PC Party just last year. It is disappointing that neither Premier Ford nor any member of his caucus issued a statement to mark this tragic event. The silence from our leaders on the Sikh Genocide is deafening.”