'SIKHS IN THE SQUARE'

PRESS RELEASE
Friday 4 November 2005

THOUSANDS OF SIKHS TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF ANTI-SIKH POGROMS IN NOVEMBER 1984 AND CALL FOR A UN INVESTIGATION AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION

On Sunday 6th November thousands of Sikhs and other supporters of human rights from all over the UK will gather at Trafalgar Square between 1.30 - 4.30pm. They will remember the 20,000 innocent Sikhs who were massacred across India during November 1984, following the death of Indira Gandhi.

Speakers will include MPs, MEPs and trade union leaders who will be showing solidarity with the victims and calling for justice. The event is also designed to raise awareness about Sikhs and is being supported by the Mayor of London.

The Sikhs in the Square event is expected to create pressure for action to be taken by the international community to ensure justice for Sikhs. In a recent letter received from the UK Government it was confirmed it was revisiting its position on whether to "support a UN inquiry into the events of 1984".

The Foreign Office said "it is for the government of India to investigate and bring culprits to justice." However, the UK Government has confirmed it is closely watching the outcomes from the Nanavati Commission report recently released to see what actions are taken by the Indian government.

Sikhs are calling for a UN investigation to investigate the persistent failure of successive Indian Governments to ensure the prosecution of those alleged to be responsible for to the killings and destruction.

A large LED screen will be erected at Trafalgar Square to show short films and presentations highlighting the human rights violations against Sikhs. One such film is 'The Widow Colony' which is a moving film that highlights the fight for justice by a group of Sikh widows of November who had their husbands burnt alive in front of them. The first UK public preview will take place in Trafalgar Square.

The remembrance will end with a candle light vigil to remember the 20,000 victims of the massacre and call for justice which has been pending for the last 21 years.

The poster and postcards below the press release provide further information.

This event is being organised by Young Sikhs (UK) set up by the Sikh Federation (UK) in September 2004 to encourage Young Sikhs to take an active part in a broad range of activities promoted by the Federation.
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