Washington, D.C.: In a major development for Sikh advocacy in the United States, the Sikh Federation (America), working alongside the Sikh American Congressional Caucus Committee, met with bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress to press for recognition of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as genocide, address anti-Sikh hate in America, and challenge India’s ongoing repression and destabilizing actions in South Asia.
The full press release issued by Sikh Federation (America) reads in verbatim as follows:
Sikh Federation (America) engages US Congress: Pushes for genocide recognition, action on Anti-Sikh Hate, and addressing Indian violence
(Washington, DC: 28 Jeth, Nanakshahi 557 | June 6, 2025 CE) – In a significant milestone for Sikh advocacy in the United States, representatives of the Sikh Federation (America), in partnership with the Sikh American Congressional Caucus Committee, met with members of US Congress from both major parties to press for urgent action on issues of justice, accountability, and regional stability in South Asia.
The meetings took place against the backdrop of high-level diplomatic visits by Indian and Pakistani officials to Washington, DC, in response to the recent escalation of conflict in the region. At this pivotal moment, Sikh Federation (America) delegates provided critical briefings to lawmakers about the growing danger posed by India’s aggressive regional posture, its persecution of minorities, and the urgent need to recognize the Sikh people’s right to sovereignty and self-determination.
During meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff across both chambers, Sikh Federation (America) representatives emphasized three core areas of concern:
1. Recognition of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Violence as Genocide
The Federation called on members of Congress to formally recognize the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 as genocide under the UN Genocide Convention (Resolution 260). Evidence from India’s own commissions and global human rights organizations shows that the killings were not spontaneous acts of mob violence but orchestrated by state actors, with political sanction and institutional cover-up that persists to this day.
2. Acknowledging and Addressing Anti-Sikh Hate in the United States
Lawmakers were urged to recognize anti-Sikh hate as a specific and dangerous form of targeted violence, distinct in its historical and geopolitical roots. The Federation stressed the need for improved federal tracking of hate crimes against Sikhs, stronger public education initiatives, and urgent investigations into covert operations by Indian intelligence agencies targeting Sikhs in America through harassment, digital repression, and physical violence.
3. Promoting Stability in South Asia
With the recent South Asian conflict revealing the volatility and unreliability of India’s current leadership, the Federation pressed for a bold reassessment of U.S. policy in the region. Members of Congress were urged to consider the strategic importance of combating Indian violence and transnational repression, as well as supporting an independent and sovereign Khalistan as a necessary measure for long-term peace, justice, and stability across South Asia.
In addition to their meetings on Capitol Hill, the Sikh Federation participated in a remembrance ceremony held inside the US Capitol to mark the 41st anniversary of the Indian state’s assault on Sri Darbar Sahib in June 1984. The event, hosted by the Sikh American Congressional Caucus Committee, brought together Members of Congress, community leaders, and interfaith allies to honour the shaheeds of 1984 and reflect on the enduring legacy of Sikh resistance.
Several lawmakers delivered remarks acknowledging the atrocities committed by the Indian state, pledging their continued support for truth, justice, and human rights. Sikh speakers reaffirmed the spiritual and political clarity of the Sikh struggle, calling for a future built on sovereign dignity, international solidarity, and the restoration of Sikh sovereignty through the establishment of an independent Khalistan.
The Sikh Federation (America) is committed to working with elected officials, civil society, and international allies to ensure that justice, dignity, and stability prevail—not only for Sikhs, but for all peoples across South Asia. As India continues its campaign of repression and disinformation, it is imperative that the United States chart a principled course—one grounded in human rights, international law, and the democratic aspirations of all peoples.
