This measure would remember those who lost their lives during the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms and massacre.

Bill Text

WHEREAS, November 2014 marked the 30 year anniversary of the horrific anti-Sikh pogroms, which claimed the lives of thousands of Sikhs throughout India in the first week of November 1984; and

WHEREAS, Many Sikh lives were saved from the massacre by compassionate Indians of all religious backgrounds, who put their own lives at risk by providing shelter to their Sikh friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Sikhs were beaten with iron rods; forcibly shorn of their hair, which Sikhs are religiously required to maintain uncut; doused with kerosene; and set on fire; and

WHEREAS, Sikh women, many of whom lost their husbands, sons, and fathers during the pogroms, were gang raped and sexually assaulted by the attackers; and

WHEREAS, Sikh homes, businesses, and houses of worship (gurdwaras) were looted, damaged, and destroyed during the pogroms; and

WHEREAS, The pogroms resulted in the intentional destruction of many Sikh families, communities, homes, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Eyewitnesses, journalists, and human rights activists have compiled evidence showing that government and law enforcement officials organized, participated in, and failed to intervene to prevent the killings through direct and indirect means; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations throughout the world, recognizing the need for justice, continue to demand prosecution of those responsible for the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature remember those who lost their lives during the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms and massacre; and be it further