June 6 marks the 37th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide and many speakers at the freedom rally, held in London on Saturday, reflected on the treatment of Sikhs over the last 74 years, including during the last 12 months in terms of the prominent Sikh role in the farmer protests, continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal and the attempted extradition of Sikhs from Britain to India. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

LONDON - A protest march and freedom rally has been taking place in London every year without fail since June 1984 to remember the victims of the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar by the Indian authorities.

June 6 marks the 37th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide and many speakers at the freedom rally, held in London on Sunday, reflected on the treatment of Sikhs over the last 74 years, including during the last 12 months in terms of the prominent Sikh role in the farmer protests, continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal and the attempted extradition of Sikhs from Britain to India. 

Normally tens of thousands of members of the Sikh community gather in London to mark the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.  

However, last year COVID-19 and the restrictions in place prevented a mass gathering.  The Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO) therefore closely liaised with the authorities and agreed to a much smaller event with social distancing and safety in mind. 

But this year’s event brought out a much larger crowd than last year as many taking part have been vaccinated and much larger gatherings outside have been sanctioned by the authorities with certain safeguards in place.  

Sikhs traveled from all over the UK by coaches (buses), with reduced numbers to gather at Wellington Arch between 12 noon and 1pm.  Wellington Arch was built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon.  

The march left from Wellington Arch after the Ardaas (prayer) at around 1.00pm.  The march was led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones) with their swords drawn.  Sikhs marched down the iconic route of Constitution Hill and The Mall to Trafalgar Square where there was a freedom rally until 3pm.   

Exactly six months earlier on 6 December 2020 and before any vaccinations commenced for COVID-19 there was a massive show of support by the Sikh community for farmers protesting in India with a static protest organised outside the Indian High Commission in London.   

Several unofficial car rallies coincided with the official protest with many hundreds of vehicles entering from each main corridor into London and converging on the Indian High Commission. 

The march and rally in London have taken on an added significance from a UK perspective since 2014 when the British Government’s involvement in the 1984 Sikh Genocide was first “inadvertently” disclosed when Cabinet Office papers were released under the 30-year rule.

The Sikh Federation (UK) published the highly acclaimed Sacrificing Sikhs report setting out the need for an investigation.  A public inquiry would need to look at anti-Sikh measures pre and post the 1984 Sikh Genocide taken against UK Sikhs by the UK Government at the request of the Indian authorities. The Labour Party is committed to hold an independent public inquiry when they come into power.

The events of 1984 took place 37 years after India gained independence in 1947 and Sikhs declined the British offer of a separate Sikh homeland and a 10-year agreement of military assistance and support for the Sikh administration.

Sikhs who have visibly led the massive farmer protests in Delhi have challenged Narendra Modi and the Indian Government and in recent months led the way in the fight against COVID-19 in India while the government has been widely condemned. 

A year ago the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the supreme authority of the Sikhs and the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) speaking to the media after the commemoration in Amritsar declared that every Sikh wants Khalistan.

Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said: “Despite India’s propaganda in the last 12 months Sikhs through their actions and their way of life – seva, working for the betterment of all and ability to stand up for their rights have won the hearts and minds of the public across the globe.”

“There is also growing recognition by governments of the Hindutva threat unashamedly promoted by Narendra Modi and the Indian Government’s discriminatory laws and practices that are causing major instability.” 

“The challenge to the Sikh Diaspora and those politically active is to translate the positive global reputation and respect of Sikhs to support from governments for Sikh independence that will be seen by all as a desired and positive outcome.”