Sikh Genocide Recognized By Ceres City

 

Sikh genocide remembered

Mayor Chris Vierra presented a proclamation on Monday evening to Harpreet Singh (left) and Nirvail Singh. By JEFF BENZIGER/Courier photo

June 10, 2015: Ceres Mayor Chris Vierra presented a proclamation on Monday evening remembering the 1984 Sikh genocide.

The proclamation also promoted religious liberty.

Vierra noted that the United States is home to over 500,000 Sikhs and have sought integration into American culture and espoused American patriotism.

The genocide came about from persecution for their faith in India, New Delhi and other areas.

The genocide resulted in the deaths of about 2,800 deaths all over India, including 2,100 in Delhi, India.

In April, the California State Assembly recognized that the Indian government was responsible for the November 1984 Genocide of Sikhs. Vierra's proclamation asked all Cereans to "continue to uphold religious liberty as a paramount social need and a fundamental principal for a peaceful civilization."

Harpreet asked all Americans not to take Constitutional rights for granted "because people have to fight for these rights" and put "good people" in government institutions.