Mobilizing Sikh Americans For U.S. Congress Recognition Of 1984 Sikh Genocide
"Perhaps most importantly, H.Res 1554 is a stand for truth, an acknowledgment of an atrocity, and a promise to future generations that their suffering will not be ignored."
Various Sikh American Organizations
November 20, 2024 | 2.5 min. Read | Opinion
The following opinion piece was co-authored for Baaz by The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, American Sikh Caucus Committee, Ensaaf, Jakara Movement, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Sikh Coalition, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC), and the United Sikhs.
“The army went into Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) not to eliminate a political figure or a political movement but to suppress the culture of a people, to attack their heart, to strike a blow at their spirit and self-confidence.” – Joyce Pettigrew, The Sikhs of Punjab
Today, Sikh Americans have a historic opportunity to bring truth to light.
For too long, the world has overlooked the Sikh Genocide of 1984. Now, Congressmen David Valadao (R-CA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) have introduced a resolution that could turn this painful chapter in our collective history into a rallying point for justice.
H.Res.1554 recognizes the devastating impact of the atrocities committed by the Indian government on our community in 1984. In condemning the violence as a genocide, the resolution makes it clear the killings, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and destruction of Sikh gurdwaras, libraries, homes, and businesses continued well beyond 1984 and were part of a systematic attack on the Sikh faith, culture, and identity designed to destroy us.
In addition to recognizing and commemorating the genocide, it also serves as a “call for all perpetrators, regardless of rank or status, to be brought to account.” The perpetrators of the Sikh Genocide have largely escaped accountability for their actions— and some remain in positions of power in India. The push to end India’s impunity and safeguard the human rights of Sikhs is more pertinent than ever as daily more is revealed about India’s program of transnational repression targeting Sikhs in the United States and globally.
Perhaps most importantly, H.Res 1554 is a stand for truth, an acknowledgment of an atrocity, and a promise to future generations that their suffering will not be ignored. For too long, India has denied and covered up its crimes. This impunity must end.
The leadership shown by Congressmen Valadao and Costa by introducing this resolution—as well as early co-sponsorships from leaders like Congressmen Vince Fong (R-CA), John Duarte (R-CA), and Josh Harder (D-CA)—is tremendously important to Sikh Americans and all victims and survivors.
But passing this measure through Congress will take sustained action and our collective voice.
Every Sikh American must do their part: pick up the phone or write an email to urge your member of Congress to be a co-sponsor. Ask your friends and family to join you in the effort. One voice can be dismissed, but a chorus cannot be ignored.
The U.S.-based Sikh community has grown dramatically in numbers, which brings strength and influence. This resolution represents a call to every Sikh American who cherishes truth and justice to mobilize and make certain it passes. In so doing, we have the chance to shape history by both honoring victims and survivors and protecting our future. We will not forget 1984, nor will we allow it to be forgotten by the perpetrators. Together, we can speak truth to power.
We urge all Sikh Americans to stand with us to end India’s impunity.
The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, American Sikh Caucus Committee, Ensaaf, Jakara Movement, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Sikh Coalition, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC), and the United Sikhs are a collection of Sikh American advocacy groups and institutions representing Sikh interests in the United States.
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