Indian government responsible for 1984 riots: California assembly

'The resolution is the first time that any state, nation or investigative body has declared that the Indian government was responsible for the 1984 genocide of Sikhs.' Ritu Jha/Rediff.com reports from California

In an unprecedented move, the California state assembly has recognised the Indian government's responsibility in the murder of thousands of Sikhs across India in the October 31-November 1 to 3 1984 riots following then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi's asssassination.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 34 (ACR 34) -- authored by three assembly members Jim Cooper, Kevin McCarty and Ken Cooley, and co-authored by 76 legislators -- received unanimous support from California's Democratic and Republican legislators and was passed on April 16, making it the first of its kind move by any state or country.

The resolution states 'the (Indian) government and law enforcement officials organised, participated in, and failed to intervene to prevent the killings. Furthermore, the atrocities were termed a "genocide" since it resulted in the intentional destruction of many Sikh families, communities, homes, and businesses.'

"For 30 years, the worldwide Sikh community has been pursuing justice on behalf of the victims of the 1984 genocide. This resolution marks an important step in recognising the unassailable truth that the Indian government was responsible for the massacre of its own citizens," Amar Shergill, a California- based attorney, community activist and founder of the American Sikh Political Action Committee told Rediff.com

Founded in 2012, the American Sikh Political Action Committee is a California-registered political action committee, which aims to encourage Sikhs to take an active role in the state's public and civic affairs.

"The resolution is the first time that any state, nation or investigative body has declared that the Indian government was responsible for the 1984 genocide of Sikhs. We now look forward to taking this resolution to our Congressional representatives in the nation's capital," Shergill added.

The resolution, he added, was the culmination of five years of advocacy by American Sikh Political Action Committee. This success, Shergill noted, would not have been possible without the support of the California sangat and gurdwaras.

"Last year, the American Sikh Political Action Committee held a seminar to educate local elected officials and community leaders about the 1984 genocide; that effort was validated by the unanimous support for this resolution," Shergill said.

Speaking of the resolution, Assembly member McCarty said, "During my time as a city councilmember and assembly member, it has been my honour to represent and work with many of the hardworking Sikhs of northern California. We must remember the victims and their families of the anti-Sikh pogroms of 1984. This resolution sends a clear message that Californians appreciate the contributions of the Sikh community and understand its difficult history. I am proud to stand with my Sikh brothers and sisters in support of this resolution."

Darshan Singh Mundy, a spokesperson for the Sacramento Sikh Temple, stated, "I am blessed to live in a country, which honours the freedom of religion and speaks out against human right violations around the world. Now that the California state assembly has clearly described the role of the Indian government in leading the anti-Sikh pogroms, we hope that our nation's Congressional representatives will have the courage to do the same."

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