As the worldwide commemorations for the genocidal attacks on Sikhs in November 1984 come to a close, the World Sikh Organization of Canada has expressed disappointment at the Canadian government’s “lack of commemoration of the 1984 Sikh Genocide by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as Ontario Premier Doug Ford.”

In a media statement, WSO counsel Balpreet Singh has said that, “The Government of India’s Nanavati Commission Report acknowledges “but for the backing and help of influential and resourceful persons, killing of Sikhs so swiftly and in large numbers could not have happened.” Officially the number of Sikhs killed was acknowledged at 2733 but the unofficial statistics are estimated to be much higher than this.

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while speaking in Parliament on 2 July 2018, referred to the massacre of Sikhs as a “genocide”.  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”.  

WSO has recalled that as a leader of the Liberal Party in 2014, Prime Minister Trudeau issued a statement which read, “As I said in Parliament this week, we must continue to call on the Indian government to pursue the truth, pursue justice for those who carry the scars of 1984, and pursue accountability for all people of India.” Quite apparently, realpolitik has taken over as since becoming Prime Minister in 2015, no statement has been issued.

Supported by Premier Ford’s Progressive Conservative Party, the 1984 Sikh Genocide was recognized by the passing of a motion in the Ontario Legislature in April 2017.  

Expressing deep disappointment, WSO President Mukhbir Singh has said, “It is imperative that the burning questions surrounding 1984 be answered. The 1984 Sikh Genocide is an issue that continues to matter to Sikh Canadians. 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.”

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Nevertheless, “We must remain steadfast in our commitment to openness, justice, human rights, and fairness – both at home and abroad. We can and will walk forward, together.”

Ottawa, November 6, 2018, WSN News Bureau