In November 1984, in perhaps one of the most unfortunate and horrendous events in the past 36 years, a decade long Sikh Genocide started. Sikh women were raped, many men and women were set alive on fire, including properties across towns and streets in India. These series of events followed right after the assassination of Indian PM Indira Gandhi.
Mrs Gandhi had been responsible for Operation Bluestar, which saw a number of separatists, agitating for a separate state they call ‘Khalistan’, killed in a standoff with the Indian military. Following Indira Gandhi’s assassination on 31 October 1984 – by her Sikh bodyguards – mobs sought and murdered Sikhs in Delhi and elsewhere in India.
Remembering the Genocide, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh tweeted: “I’d like to share a personal story. I’m the grandson of survivors from the 1984 #SikhGenocide. 36 year ago, my family and people that looked just like me were targeted by the Indian state in a campaign of genocide. I felt alone - but this is a story many Canadians share.So many people from around the world fleeing genocide, violence, and persecution were given refuge by Canada and the first people of this land. For that, I am forever grateful. To honour the lives lost, I light this candle to represent a light to challenge the darkness. We have an opportunity to build a Canada. Where we lift each other up. So that we all rise. #neverforget1984”
