ON Tuesday, June 3, Conservative MP Parm Gill (Brampton-Ontario), in a statement in the House, said: “Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago today marks a dark and difficult chapter in India’s history. The June 1984 Indian army attack, named Operation Blue Star, on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, one of the holiest sites for Sikhs, led to the killing of thousands of innocent pilgrims.
“Today, on the anniversary of this horrible attack, we remember the innocent lives lost and their families. Their memories will live as a constant reminder of the importance of defending the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights for all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy.”
ON Tuesday, June 3, the Official Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair (NDP) said in a statement: “Today, New Democrats mark the solemn anniversary of the invasion of the Darbar Sahib Complex — or Golden Temple — and dozens of other gurdwaras in Punjab, India. I wish to personally extend my sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives and the families they left behind.
“The events that occurred thirty years ago, and the brutal repression that followed, have left a painful mark on the Sikh community — in India and around the world.
“New Democrats continue to stand in solidarity with the Sikh community, human rights organizations and all Canadians who seek justice. When innocent lives are lost, Canada cannot stand by. We must seek honest answers and demand accountability – from one democratic government to another.
“As we mark the tragic events of June 1984 today, let us remember that only the truth can begin the process of reconciliation, and lead us to a more peaceful future.
“Lest we forget.”
FEDERAL Liberal Party’s Foreign Affairs Critic Marc Garneau made the following statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday, June 4:
“Today we stand in solidarity with the Sikh community as they remember the 30th anniversary of the invasion of the Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar. That tragic episode, which resulted in the unnecessary loss of so many innocent lives, triggered a series of events which deeply impacted the Sikh community across the world, including here in Canada.
“Liberals have long held that the respect of human rights must be paramount and those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable and brought to justice. As we remember the innocent lives lost in 1984, we must remain vigilant that the basic human rights of all individuals are respected and such tragedies are not repeated.”
(Photo: www.panthic.org)
