MP Sahota Speaks Out About 1984 Human Rights Violations in India

MP Ruby Sahota Seeks Answers and Justice for the Sikh Community

09/06/2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Ms. Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, rose in the House of Commons yesterday during Statements by Members to address the human rights violations committed by the Indian Government under the leadership of Indira Gandhi.

In June of 1984, Sikhs gathered at the Harmandir Sahib, known to the Western world as the Golden Temple, to commemorate the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. During this time, the Gandhi Government invaded the Harmandir Sahib and within minutes, Sikhs became outsiders inside their own country. This act of aggregation later fuelled brutal attacks against the Sikh community across India.

“The events that occurred in 1984 led to thousands of innocent Sikh men, women, and children being tortured, raped, and murdered based on their Sikh identity.” said MP Ruby Sahota “We continue to seek justice for these victims and also demand an explanation for why and how Sikhs were targeted by organized mobs. I stand with the Sikh community and all other communities that seek justice for the violation of their human rights.”

For Canadian Sikhs, 1984 is considered a blemish on their Sikh-Indian heritage and depicts the deterioration of law and order. Throughout history, we have seen countless incidents of minority rights being violated and as Canadians, we must speak up against past and present injustices.