Sikhs in India and around the world have worked to heal from the trauma of 1984, striving to move forward with resilience and unity. Yet, in the West, some politicians seem intent on keeping these wounds open—not to seek justice or reconciliation, but to use the pain of the past as a tool to garner votes and advance divisive agendas.
A recent example unfolded in Canada’s Parliament. A Member of Parliament from Surrey-Newton attempted to have the 1984 riots declared a genocide, seeking unanimous consent for his motion in the House of Commons. However, a single objection from a courageous MP prevented this motion from passing. The backlash was swift; the MP was reportedly threatened inside the Parliament building for standing up against the motion.
Today, the Member of Parliament from Surrey-Newton attempted to have the Parliament declare the 1984 riots in India against Sikhs as a genocide.
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) December 6, 2024
He sought unanimous consent from all Members in the House of Commons to pass his motion.
I was the only Member present in the House… pic.twitter.com/wENlwUd234
This incident highlights a troubling trend: the manipulation of historical tragedies to serve contemporary political goals. While the 1984 riots were undeniably horrific, branding them as genocide misrepresents the tragedy and risks creating unnecessary divides. Such narratives are not rooted in justice or healing but in the pursuit of influence, often catering to narrow political interests. In this case, the motion appears to be driven by the Khalistani lobby—a politically influential group that has long sought to push its agenda in Western politics.
Sikhs Have Moved On, Politicians Should Too
For Sikhs in India and abroad, the riots are a painful memory, but they are not an issue that defines the community today. Over the decades, Sikhs have worked hard to rebuild their lives, strengthen their communities, and contribute to society at large. In India, Sikhs thrive in every field—from business and politics to sports and the arts. Abroad, Sikh communities have achieved remarkable success and integration, serving as shining examples of resilience and progress.
The only MP to vote against a motion regarding an event that took place 40 years ago and has nothing to do with Canada didn’t vote against it because it has nothing to do with Canada.
— Harrison Faulkner (@Harry__Faulkner) December 6, 2024
He voted against the motion because the motion undermines his own ethnic group agenda. https://t.co/2kvpvTmyiQ
This forward-looking spirit is a testament to the Sikh ethos. Yet, by dragging the community back to the events of 1984, politicians in the West risk undermining these efforts. They are not aiding Sikhs or seeking justice—they are exploiting historical pain for political gain. This approach not only keeps communities anchored in past grievances but also fosters division in societies that should be promoting unity.
Divisive Narratives Hurt Everyone
Labeling the 1984 riots as genocide is not only misleading but also dangerously divisive. Such rhetoric risks driving wedges between Sikh and Indian communities abroad, where people of diverse backgrounds have long coexisted harmoniously. In Canada, for example, both Sikhs and other Indian diaspora communities have contributed immensely to the nation’s multicultural fabric. Attempts to politicize historical tragedies threaten this harmony, creating fractures that benefit no one except opportunistic politicians.
This extremist being inside the Canadian parliament is a travesty. I feel ashamed as a Punjabi. https://t.co/tP6khsUyhp
— कुशल मेहरा (@kushal_mehra) December 7, 2024
Furthermore, focusing on this issue distracts from the real challenges facing communities today. Instead of investing energy in healing and progress, politicians are forcing communities to relitigate painful events that should serve as lessons—not weapons.
A Call for Unity and Progress
The strength of any community lies in its ability to learn from the past while moving toward a better future. For Sikhs, the memory of 1984 is a reminder of resilience and the importance of justice. For politicians, it should serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of divisive rhetoric. Exploiting the pain of others for political gain is not leadership; it is manipulation.
As Sikhs in India and abroad continue to build bridges, foster understanding, and move forward, it is crucial that these efforts are not undermined by short-sighted political agendas. Instead of keeping people stuck in the past, leaders should focus on addressing current challenges and fostering unity.
The 1984 riots were a tragedy, but they are not the sum of the Sikh experience. It is time for politicians to respect the progress Sikhs have made and stop using their pain as a platform for political theater. The future belongs to those who build, not to those who divide. Let us honor the memory of those who suffered in 1984 by striving for justice, unity, and progress—not by perpetuating division.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
