'The resolution is the first time that any state, nation or investigative body has declared that the Indian government was responsible for the 1984 genocide of Sikhs.' Ritu Jha/Rediff.com reports from California
In an unprecedented move, the California state assembly has recognised the Indian government's responsibility in the murder of thousands of Sikhs across India in the October 31-November 1 to 3 1984 riots following then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 34 (ACR 34) -- authored by three assembly members Jim Cooper, Kevin McCarty and Ken Cooley, and co-authored by 76 legislators -- received unanimous support from California's Democratic and Republican legislators and was passed on April 16, making it the first of its kind move by any state or country.
The resolution states 'the (Indian) government and law enforcement officials organised, participated in, and failed to intervene to prevent the killings. Furthermore, the atrocities were termed a "genocide" since it resulted in the intentional destruction of many Sikh families, communities, homes, and businesses.'
"The resolution is the first time that any state, nation or investigative body has declared that the Indian government was responsible for the 1984 genocide of Sikhs. We now look forward to taking this resolution to our Congressional representatives in the nation's capital," Shergill added.
Indian government responsible for 1984 riots: California assembly - Rediff.com India News
In an unprecedented move, the California state assembly has recognised the Indian government's responsibility in the murder of thousands of Sikhs across India in the October 31-November 1 to 3 1984 riots following then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 34 (ACR 34) -- authored by three assembly members Jim Cooper, Kevin McCarty and Ken Cooley, and co-authored by 76 legislators -- received unanimous support from California's Democratic and Republican legislators and was passed on April 16, making it the first of its kind move by any state or country.
The resolution states 'the (Indian) government and law enforcement officials organised, participated in, and failed to intervene to prevent the killings. Furthermore, the atrocities were termed a "genocide" since it resulted in the intentional destruction of many Sikh families, communities, homes, and businesses.'
"The resolution is the first time that any state, nation or investigative body has declared that the Indian government was responsible for the 1984 genocide of Sikhs. We now look forward to taking this resolution to our Congressional representatives in the nation's capital," Shergill added.
Indian government responsible for 1984 riots: California assembly - Rediff.com India News
