World Sikh Organization Welcomes Apology for Komagata Maru Incident

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) welcomes the long awaited apology for the Komagata Maru incident by the government of British Columbia.  The Sikh community has been waiting for 94 long years to see some accountability for this tragic incident.

This apology will signal to the Sikh community and the entire country that the government of British Columbia is willing to take responsibility for past wrongs and to move forward in a positive manner,” said, Gurpreet Singh Bal, President of WSO.  He added, “It is our hope that this apology will lead to an honest reflection by all Canadians on this painful chapter of our shared history.  To give even greater meaning to this apology, we should all redouble our efforts to ensure that the intolerance of the past is not repeated in the future.”

Gian Singh Sandhu, Senior Policy Advisor for WSO, stated, “Combating racism, stereotyping and fear-mongering, and creating an accepting and tolerant society through education and progressive policies, must remain a top priority for any government.  In this way, the sacrifices of those aboard the Komagata Maru will be truly honoured.”

The WSO also urges the federal government to follow British Columbia’s lead and apologise for this painful incident without further delay.

WSO is a non-profit international organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.

For more information, please contact Maj (retd.) Jasbeer Singh, Media Relations, Tel. 780-457-3333, Cell. 780-235-6000, Email: [email protected]

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Gian Singh Sandhu, Tel. 250-305-2440, Email:  [email protected]