November 25, 2004

Hon. Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P. (Etobicoke North)
News Release

Roy Cullen Remembers Victims of 1984 Strife in Northern India

OTTAWA - November 25, 2004 - The Honourable Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, recently stood in the Chamber of the House of Commons and delivered a members' statement in memory of the victims of the violence and unrest in Northern India in November, 1984.

The text of the statement is as follows:

"Mr. Speaker, On October 30, thousands of Canadians gathered at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto to commemorate and pay respect to the victims of the violence that swept through northern India in the first week of November, 1984.

Sikh Canadians have excelled in all walks of life, enriched the multicultural experience of our nation, and formed an integral part of the fabric of this country. We join with them as they remember families, friends and relatives who fell victim to the senseless looting, arson, rape and murder that took place 20 years ago.

We also express our solidarity and give credence to the belief that by remembering such dark episodes of history we are not allowing old ones to fester, but we are attempting to ensure that we learn from these episodes so that they are not repeated.

To honour the victims, candlelight vigils have been organized across North America. It was encouraging to see so many Canadians gathered at the vigil held in Toronto."

For more information, please contact:
David Cuddemi, Executive Assistant
Room 317, West Block
613-995-4702