Thousands mark 1984 Sikh genocide anniversary

LONDON: Thousands of Sikhs walked through London to remember the victims of the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar by the Indian authorities in 1984.

Every year thousands of Sikhs gather in London to mark the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide but the last year was an exception due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year’s march was organised by the Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO). Sikhs from across the UK had travelled to London to take part in the march which marched through Central London before reaching Trafalgar Square where tributes were

paid to the martyrs of 1984 massacre. The march started from Wellington Arch, led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones) with their swords drawn. It passed through the iconic route of Constitution Hill and The Mall to Trafalgar Square.

This was the first demonstration of Sikhs after large-scale protests in London and across the UK by Sikhs before the last national lockdown. Six months ago, tens of thousands had protested in support of farmers protesting in India. Addressing the freedom rally, the Sikh leaders said that the events of 1984 took place 37 years after India gained independence in 1947 but the horror memories of those events will forever live on and have become a defining feature for millions of Sikhs around the world who feel deeply aggrieved at the treatment they received from the Indian government.

The Sikh leaders said that this year marks the 37th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide but it also threw light on the treatment of Sikhs over the last 74 years, including during the last 12 months in terms of the prominent Sikh role in the farmer protests, continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal and the attempted extradition of Sikhs from Britain to India.

Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), said: “Despite India’s propaganda in the last 12 months Sikhs through their actions and their way of life – seva, working for the betterment of all and ability to stand up for their rights have won the hearts and minds of the public across the globe.”

“There is also growing recognition by governments of the Hindutva threat unashamedly promoted by Narendra Modi and the Indian Government’s discriminatory laws and practices that are causing major instability. “The challenge to the Sikh Diaspora and those politically active is to translate the positive global reputation and respect of Sikhs to support from governments for Sikh independence that will be seen by all as a desired and positive outcome.”