Canada’s New Democratic Party pushes for recognition of ‘1984 Sikh Genocide’ in parliament | Global News

The New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada is pushing for official recognition of the ‘1984 Sikh genocide’ in the country’s parliament. The NDP, which has a formal understanding with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, launched a campaign to seek recognition of the tragic events that took place 40 years ago.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Sikh genocide during a speech at the Vaisakhi parade in Surrey, British Columbia. He called for the Canadian government to formally recognize the state-organized killing spree as a genocide, condemning the actions of the government responsible for the atrocities.

The so-called Sikh genocide refers to the riots that erupted in Delhi and other parts of India following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. A similar motion passed by the Ontario legislature in 2017 strained relations between Canada and India.

While some view the NDP’s campaign as a positive step, others, like the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), believe that recognition of the ‘Sikh People’s Right to Self-Determination’ would be more appropriate given the current political climate.

The potential passage of a ‘Sikh genocide’ motion in Canada’s House of Commons could further complicate the already strained ties between New Delhi and Ottawa. The NDP’s efforts to seek official recognition of the tragic events of 1984 highlight the ongoing importance of acknowledging historical injustices and seeking justice for affected communities.