SFJ Launches White House Petition To Condemn Denial of Justice to Victims of 1984 Sikh Genocide

Washington DC, October 30, 2017. On the 33rd year of anti-Sikh genocidal violence in the wake of Indira Gandhi's assassination, human rights group "Sikhs For Justice" (SFJ) has launched an online White House Petition urging to condemn India's denial of justice to the victims of Sikh Genocide.

The petition to President Trump states that "since 1984, successive Indian governments have continuously shielded the political leaders like Kamal Nath, Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan who participated in 1984 genocidal violence against Sikhs".

"In 33 years, despite ample evidence and witnesses, India has not convicted any political leader who incited violence against Sikhs and has denied justice to the victims", the petition further states.

The online White House petition to President Trump initiated on October 27 has gathered more than 10,000 signatures in first three days.

"All major political parties are complicit in injustice to the Sikh community. While Congress committed violence against Sikhs, BJP, AAP and SAD (Badal) played the justice card only to gain political mileage and votes", stated Gurpatwant Singh Pannun legal advisor to SFJ.

"Three decades of impunity to political leaders clearly shows that the Indian system has failed the victims of 1984 Sikhs genocide" added attorney Pannun.

In the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination, organized and systematic violence was carried out with the active connivance of the police and administration, against the Sikh population throughout India, with a clear intent to destroy the community. The violence against the Sikhs continued unabated for several days in more than 100 cities across India resulting in over 30,000 Sikhs killed; thousands of women raped; hundreds of Gurudwaras burnt and more than 300,000 Sikhs displaced.

To elicit a response from Trump Administration, the petition on the issue of denial of justice to the victims of Sikh Genocide must obtain 100,000 signatures by November 27.

The right to petition the US Government is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The White House Portal states that "we created We The People because we want to hear from you. If a petition gets enough support, White House staff will review it, ensure it’s sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response".


Issued by:
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Attorney at Law (New York)
Legal Advisor, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)
Mobile: +1-718-938-7801
E: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sikhsforjusticepage