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Earlier today thousands of Sikhs took part in
a Remembrance March from Hyde Park to Trafalgar
Square. Sikhs from all generations took part -
young and old. However, young Sikhs, too young
or not even born in June 1984, used eye-catching
banners and placards to convey the message to
the tens of thousands of non-Sikhs lining the
streets as the march wound its way to Trafalgar
Square.
While Sikhs assembled in Hyde Park and took part
in the march many thousands of non-Sikhs passed
through Trafalgar Square, were served langar and
watched a series of videos relating to 1984 on
the large screen erected for the event. Many Sikhs
were unaware of this aspect of the event that
was focused on non-Sikhs using Trafalgar Square
before large numbers of Sikhs arrived.
The Remembrance March was followed by a Freedom
Rally in a packed Trafalgar Square. The Remembrance
March and Freedom Rally highlighted the atrocities
committed against Sikhs by the Indian State and
a call that Sikhs be allowed to exercise their
internationally recognised right to self determination,
including the desire for outright independence.
There were so many Sikhs that they barely managed
to get into the Square. The full visual impact
of those taking part in the Remembrance March
was for all to see on the stage set up in the
Square.
The remembrance and freedom atmosphere at the
event was somewhat ruined by a handful of individuals
that decided at great risk to bystanders to burn
the Indian flag in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
This act in the Square of all places achieved
little other than a certain amount of disruption.
It did not further the remembrance of the many
Sikhs killed in June 1984 or advance the freedom
struggle. Instead it damaged stonework in the
Square, resulted in a breach of the licence and
will result in an additional bill running into
many hundreds of pounds as well as the distinct
possibility that Sikhs will not be allowed to
use the Square again for such an event.
John Spellar MP, the Vice-Chair of the All Party
Parliamentary Group for UK Sikhs, former Armed
Forces Minister, Transport Minister and Minister
for Northern Ireland addressed those present.
Dr Caroline Lucas MEP and Jean Lambert MEP sent
videoed messages and Dominic Grieve MP and Ken
Livingstone, the Mayor of London issued written
messages of support.
Ken Livingstone wrote 'we are gathered here to
remember the victims of the tragic and devastating
events of June 1984, when the holiest Sikh shrine
at the Golden Temple was stormed on one of the
most important days in the Sikh calendar. With
huge numbers of pilgrims in attendance, thousands
of innocent Sikhs were killed including women
and children.'
'Along with the subsequent anti-Sikh pogroms of
November 1984, these events rocked Indian society
and the Sikh community around the world. As we
remember all those who lost their lives in those
tragic events, we are reminded of the horrors
which intolerance and sectarianism can cause.'
'The Sikh community in London, and throughout
the world, have made great strides since those
terrible events. I extend my sympathy and support
to all those who continue to live with the impact
of the tragic events of 1984. The resilience and
courage of your community, whose faith is founded
on principles of equality and tolerance of others,
is an example to us all.'
Aside from distractions such as the flag burning
the event as a whole did much to raise awareness
about Sikhs and 1984. Early feedback from the
event from Sikhs that attended suggests there
needs to be a greater focus on 1984, the political
angle and the definite need for the elders to
leave the running of the event to Sikh professionals
and the younger generation. Although, the elders
will be needed to advise and pass on their experience.
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