It was a sea of saffron — the Sikh colour of sacrifice and defiance at the Lafayette Park to the west lawn of the capitol, where over 3,000 Sikhs from Canada, California, N. California, Texas, New York and Midwest had assembled to protest against the visiting Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose government was charged with the slaughter of more than 50,000 Sikhs.
Men, women and children carried hand written placards proclaiming “Gandhi killed 1 million Sikhs,” “Rajiv Gandi, a modern Hitler,” “Rajiv Gandhi Soviet Puppet,” “Stop Genocide of Sikhs in India.”
Gandhi arrived at the south entrance of the White House on the other side of the protest tally. The chants of slogan shouting Sikhs amplified by bullhorns, were reverberating during Gandhi’ ceremony
The Sikhs had sane assembling in the part right from morning and came from all direction sin specially chartered buses, cars and taxis. Largest contingent of over 400 persons came from New York in 10 specially chartered buses and private vehicles. Their enthusiasm added to the verve and commitment of the protesters. They marched up the Pennsylvania Avenue in perfect discipline with a visible and palpable sense of hurt and anger but registered their protest in a peaceful manner.
Over a dozen police officers: stood facing the park. The security was tight but the police did not expect any violence. “We are expecting a very peaceful demonstration. We are €yen wearing soft hats. If we expected violence, we would not be wearing these hats,” said a police officer.
The rally ended with prayers in which Sikh nation’s determination to ensure an honourable life of freedom was reiterated.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 22, 1990
