PRIME Minister Mark Carney on Saturday said in a statement commemorating the Komagata Maru incident: “On this day in 1914, 376 Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of South Asian origin arrived in Vancouver’s harbour aboard the steamship Komagata Maru. Their voyage was made in search of a better life for themselves and their families.
“Instead of offering them refuge, Canadian authorities refused nearly all on board the vessel entry and forced them to remain on the ship for two months, with limited access to food, water, and medical care. When the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India, then under colonial rule, many of its passengers were imprisoned or killed.
“The Komagata Maru tragedy is one of the darkest chapters in our history – a moment where Canada failed to uphold our values, with horrific consequences. It reminds us of the appalling repercussions of discrimination and racism. Today, we honour the memory of all the passengers, their descendants, and their communities who suffered.
“We are building a Canada that is not just strong, but good. A Canada that is not just prosperous, but fair. A Canada that is not just for some, most of the time – but for all, all of the time.”
PREMIER David Eby said: “The steamship Komagata Maru, also known as the Guru Nanak Jahaz, chartered by the Sri Guru Nanak Steamer Company, arrived in Vancouver harbour via Hong Kong and Japan on this date 112 years ago. The ship was chartered to transport 376 people of Sikh, Muslim and Hindu origin from Punjab, India.
“The passengers, who sought to immigrate and contribute to Canada, were met with racist hostility by federal immigration officials and the local population. Most travellers were not allowed to disembark, nor were they allowed to meet with representatives of the local South Asian community. After two gruelling months aboard ship in the harbour, during which conditions became worse by the day, the steamship was forced to return to India from the harbour.
“The incident was soon forgotten by most Canadians, though it remains a dark mark on our history. The Province of British Columbia issued a formal apology in the legislative chamber in 2008 for its role.
“Since long before the ship arrived, people from South Asia have been calling this province home, making untold contributions to building this incredible province. It is our shared responsibility to learn from this incident so we can continue to create the diverse and inclusive British Columbia we know and enjoy today.”
