VICTORIA, B.C.: MLA for Surrey North Mandeep Dhaliwal has given notice to introduce a motion in the Legislative Assembly calling on British Columbia to formally recognize the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

The motion acknowledges the state-sponsored violence committed against Sikhs across India in 1984, including mass killings, targeted brutality, destruction of homes, businesses, and gurdwaras, and lasting intergenerational trauma carried by survivors and families.

“This motion is about recognition, remembrance, and standing with a community that continues to carry the pain and trauma of 1984,” said Dhaliwal. “British Columbia is home to a vibrant Sikh community that has contributed immensely to the social, cultural, economic, and civic life of our province. Their history, their loss, and their voices deserve to be acknowledged with dignity and respect.”

The motion calls on the Legislature to honour those who were killed, survivors, families, and all those whose lives were permanently altered by the events of 1984.

“In communities across British Columbia, Sikh families have spent decades ensuring the stories of 1984 are never forgotten,” Dhaliwal added. “This is about ensuring future generations understand what happened and reaffirming our commitment to confronting hatred, persecution, and violence wherever it occurs.”

The proposed motion states that British Columbia recognizes the importance of education, remembrance, and vigilance in confronting anti-Sikh hate, religious persecution, genocide denial, and all forms of targeted violence.

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