SAN FRANCISCO, California, USA—Sikhs in large numbers will gather in San Francisco on June 8, 2014 to hold a “freedom march” to commemorate the anniversary of the 1984 Operation Bluestar attack on Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the holiest Sikh shrine, in Amritsar, Punjab. The march is being organized as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Sikh Genocide that took place that year in India.
Thirty years ago, Indian Government ordered military action to flush out a handful of militants from Harmandir Sahib complex. The timing of Operation Blue Star coincided with a Sikh religious day, the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the founder of the Harmandir Sahib. Sikhs from all over the world visit the temple on this day. Many Sikhs view the timing and attack by the Indian Army as an attempt to inflict maximum casualties on Sikhs and demoralise them.
The San Francisco event is being collaborated by Sikh Gurdwaras, organizations, and student bodies, to express solidarity against State sponsored oppression that still continues in India against its minorities. Organizers estimate that over 10,000 Sikhs from all over California will take part in the event.
The march will commence at 12pm sharply and continue for 4 hours. Exhibitions displaying rare pictures from 1984, artwork, and speeches, in English and Punjabi by renowned speakers, will be the center of attraction at the march.
Organizers say that attempts are being made to book buses from as far away as Fresno and Sacramento. The Sikh Sangat (congregation) is advised to contact their local gurdwaras to request transportation. Bay Area Sikhs are advised to travel by buses or BART. Street parking will be free since the event is being organized on a Sunday. Food and light refreshments will be served.
