Ottawa, Canada (December 11, 2013): According to information sent to the Sikh Siyasat News by NDP Press Secretary Amneet Singh, on December 10, 2013, members of the NDP Caucus hosted Bibi Jagdish Kaur and her son Bhai Gurdeep Singh as they shared their story of survival during the tragic pogroms of 1984 that targeted Sikh men, women and children in New Delhi and many other parts of India.
“Bibi Ji is a powerful orator, her story is deeply moving and her strength to find justice is awe-inspiring,” said Employment and Social Development Critic Jinny Sims (Newton–North Delta). “As we mark International Human Rights Day Bibi Jagdish Kaur’s story is a reminder of why we must always stand tall for the principles of social justice.”
Bibi Jagdish Kaur was accompanied on Parliament Hill by her son Gurdeep Singh. Gurdeep Singh, who was 6 years old in 1984, explained how he escaped the mobs by concealing his religious identity and cutting his hair, a visible identity marker of being a Sikh.
“Jagdish Kaur’s testimony is a real life example of why the NDP stands in solidarity with victims and with independent human rights organizations,” added Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “In all of this, there is space for love, hope and optimism – even during these dark days, Sikh victims found refuge and shelter from those of various faith backgrounds. Through unity we are hopeful the call for justice will prevail.”
Immigration Critic Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe also attended the meeting with Bibi Jagdish Kaur and Bhai Gurdeep Singh.
Under the leadership of Tom Mulcair, the NDP remains the only party to continue its calls for justice for the survivors and an explanation for why the Sikh community was targeted by organized mobs.