Canberra, Australia: On 7th of November 2024, the Australian Sikh Association organized a significant event today at the Great Hall of the Federal Parliament in Canberra to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide in India. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the historical atrocity and highlighting ongoing concerns regarding foreign interference and transnational repression, particularly the efforts by the Indian government to silence Sikh voices in the diaspora, including in Australia.
The commemoration was attended by a diverse group of Sikh organizations and gurdwaras from across Australia. It also saw the participation of several Members of Parliament, including Federal Minister Dr. Anne Aly, Bob Katter, and Sam Lim; Senators David Shoebridge, Dr. Mehreen Faruqi, and Steph Hodgins May; WA Senate candidate Deep Singh; Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon; as well as other government officials. The gathering was a powerful show of solidarity and a collective call for accountability and justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh genocide.
Context and Significance
The 1984 Sikh genocide, which followed the killing of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, remains one of the darkest chapters in modern Indian history. Thousands of Sikhs were brutally murdered, their homes and businesses destroyed, and many women were raped in orchestrated attacks that were reportedly backed by political leaders and law enforcement authorities. Genocidal violence spread across 21 states and territories, affecting around 300 cities and towns in India. Despite overwhelming evidence and numerous eyewitness testimonies, justice for the victims and their families has remained elusive.
The event in Canberra served as a reminder of the horrors of the 1984 massacre and the need for accountability. It also drew attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the Sikh community, particularly in relation to India’s foreign interference and its efforts to suppress Sikh voices globally.
Keynote Speakers
The event featured keynote speeches from two prominent figures: Bhai Moninder Singh of the Sikh Federation Canada and Dr. Iqtidar Cheema, a member of the UN Global Steering Committee (UK). Both speakers provided poignant testimonies and insights into the Sikh community’s ongoing struggle for justice, urging the recognition of the 1984 genocide and greater international support for ending the repression faced by Sikhs worldwide.
Ongoing Foreign Interference and Transnational Repression in Australia
A key focus of the event was the issue of foreign interference and transnational repression, particularly by the Indian government in Australia. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) exposed an Indian espionage network operating in Australia in 2020. This network was involved in gathering intelligence on Sikh activists, stealing sensitive defence information, and attempting to manipulate Australian political figures and law enforcement agencies. The expulsion of these spies by the Australian government underscored the seriousness of the situation and sent a clear message that such interference would not be tolerated.
The event highlighted the ongoing threat posed by foreign agents working to undermine the safety and freedom of the Sikh community, as well as the broader implications for Australia’s democratic institutions and sovereignty.
Call to Action
The Australian Sikh Association issued a strong call to action, urging both the Australian government and the international community to take decisive steps toward securing justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh genocide. The Association emphasized the importance of upholding the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble, express their views, and seek justice, in accordance with both the Australian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additionally, the Sikh community in Australia is committed to working toward formal recognition of the 1984 genocide in the Australian Parliament. They are also determined to ensure that India’s foreign interference does not compromise Australia’s democratic principles or sovereignty.
The event in Canberra was not only a remembrance of the past but also a call for action to prevent future violations of human rights and to safeguard the freedoms of all communities in Australia.
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