Sikh Riots
Anti-Sikh riots of 1984 darkest year in modern Indian history: US Senator Pat Toomey
The anti-Sikh riots of 1984 marks one of the "darkest" years in modern Indian history, a US senator has said, according to media reports.
Senator Pat Toomey underscored the need to remember the atrocities committed against the Sikhs so that those responsible can be held accountable.
Over 3,000 Sikhs were killed in riots targetting the community after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
"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 Pat Toomey said in his speech on the Senate floor, according to a rereport in the media.
"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.
He said the official estimates in such cases often don't reflect the true picture but it is estimated that over 30,000 Sikh men, women, and children were deliberately targeted, raped, slaughtered, and displaced by mobs across India.
"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 said.
Senator Toomey is a member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
He said Sikhism traces its 600-year history to the Punjab region of India, he said, adding that the community has exhibited a commitment to serving individuals from all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating their generosity and a deep sense of brotherhood.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across Pennsylvania and the United States came together to deliver groceries, masks, and other supplies to tens of thousands of families in need no matter their race, gender, religion, or creed," he said, the report quoted.
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