VICTORIA, B.C.: A motion introduced by Mandeep Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North, calling on British Columbia to formally recognize the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as genocide was blocked in the Legislative Assembly after unanimous consent was denied, with members of the governing NDP participating in the decision to prevent the motion from proceeding.

The motion sought to recognize the state-sponsored violence committed against Sikhs across India in 1984, including mass killings, targeted brutality, destruction of homes, businesses, and gurdwaras, and the lasting trauma carried by survivors and future generations as genocide.

“This was a moment to acknowledge truth, honour victims, and stand against genocide denial and hatred,” said Dhaliwal. “For such a motion to be blocked, and for disrespectful remarks to be made during its introduction, is deeply disappointing to many Sikh families across British Columbia and beyond.”

Respect for human rights should not be a partisan question. When a government refuses to recognize crimes against humanity, and its members respond to a tribute to victims with mockery in the people’s chamber, it tells British Columbians whose dignity counts and whose does not. Every community in this province deserves better.

British Columbia is home to one of the largest Sikh populations. For decades, Sikh Canadians have advocated for recognition, remembrance, and education surrounding the events of 1984.

“The Sikh community is not asking for division,” Dhaliwal added. “We are asking for dignity, historical recognition, and the same moral clarity that should exist whenever innocent people are targeted because of their identity or faith.”

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