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Turlock, CA - On Friday, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) cosponsored Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) House Resolution 1544: Expressing support for the recognition and commemoration of the Sikh Genocide of 1984 to stand with the Sikh community. This resolution acknowledges the horrific events of June 1984, when the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar, leading to widespread loss of life and destruction, targeting Sikh religious sites and members of the Sikh community. This attack marked the beginning of decades of systemic violence and repression, with countless Sikhs suffering assaults, discrimination, and assassinations.

“Our Sikh friends and neighbors have long endured unimaginable hardships,” said Rep. Duarte. “I am proud to support Rep. Valadao’s recognition of the Sikh Genocide. By acknowledging these atrocities, we can stand with the Sikh community in their calls for justice, healing, and remembrance.”

The Sikh Genocide Resolution will commemorate the state-sponsored violence inflicted on Sikh communities in 1984, which affected cities and regions across India. The resolution urges accountability for all involved and rejects any attempt to deny or downplay the genocide. This resolution marks an important step for justice and healing within the Sikh community.

Background:

• Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion, with over 25 million followers globally, including over 500,000 in the United States. Sikhs have contributed to American society for over 120 years across agriculture, industry, technology, medicine, and the arts sectors. 
• In 1984, an estimated 30,000 Sikhs were killed during targeted violence, with widespread destruction of Sikh homes, businesses, and gurdwaras.
• The resolution highlights that thousands of Sikh families continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted during the genocide and the ongoing denial of justice for the atrocities committed 
• Canada alleges violence and assassination attempts on Canadian Sikh leaders and Canadian citizens.