The Senator pointed out that there was a need to remember the atrocities committed against the Sikh community so that those responsible may be held accountable
The anti-Sikh riots of 1984 marked “one of the darkest years” in modern Indian history, said US Senator Pat Toomey. He pointed out that there was a need to remember the atrocities committed against the Sikh community so that those responsible may be held accountable, reported PTI.
“1984 marks one of the darkest years in modern Indian history. The world watched as several violent incidents broke out among ethnic groups in India, with several notably targeting the Sikh community,” Senator Toomey said on the US Senate floor. “Today we are here to remember the tragedy that commenced on November 1, 1984, following decades of ethnic tension between Sikhs in the Punjab province and the central Indian Government,” he said.
“To prevent future human rights abuses, we must recognise their past forms. We must remember the atrocities committed against Sikhs so that those responsible may be held accountable and that this type of tragedy is not repeated against the Sikh community or other communities across the globe,” Toomey, a Republican, said.
The nine bodies include the American Muslim Institution, Association of Indian Muslims of America Howard Cain, ICNA Council for Social Justice, Dalit Solidarity Forum Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council International Society for Peace and Justice and American Sikh Council. Each of them paid USD 1,000 for the advertisement
Toomey, who is a member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, said he had personally witnessed the spirit of Sikhs and understood the Sikh tradition that is founded on equality, respect, and peace. It is clear that the presence and contributions of Sikh communities had enriched neighbourhoods across the country, he said. He also mentioned the community services rendered by Sikhs in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It may be mentioned that nine Indian-origin rights bodies on October 1, published an advertisement in The New York Times to raise the alleged “religious persecution, discrimination and deadly mob violence” against minorities in India. The advertisement was published on the eve of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The nine bodies include the American Muslim Institution, Association of Indian Muslims of America Howard Cain, ICNA Council for Social Justice, Dalit Solidarity Forum Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council International Society for Peace and Justice and American Sikh Council. Each of them paid USD 1,000 for the advertisement.
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