BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Diya TV) — Members of the Sikh community embarked on a 350-mile march from Bakersfield to Sacramento to raise greater awareness for what they call the 1984 Sikh Genocide in India. Organized by the Jakara Movement, the march began on October 9 and will continue for 23 days, until the participants arrive at the State Capitol in Sacramento on November 1.
This march, dubbed the “Fearless for Justice March,” honors those who lost their lives, while demanding justice for those who may be in harms way today. According to the executive director of Jakara Movement, Naindeep Singh, this march not only recounts their story, but will also inform the public and lawmakers along the way. Joining the procession is Camila Chavez, daughter of Dolores Huerta, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers.
California Assemblymember Jasmeet Baines from the 35th District in Kern County is also involved in the proceedings. In 2023, she sponsored AJR 2, a resolution condemning riots that occurred in the wake of the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the hands of her Sikh bodyguards. The resolution designated the thousands killed in the fall 1984 as victims of an anti-Sikh ‘genocide.’
She will discuss with the marchers their ongoing concerns over the safety of Sikh activists, along with the need for broader recognition of their struggles.
The march will take participants across several towns including McFarland and Delano and will create an opportunity to engage with the community to discuss some of the relevant issues affecting the Sikh community.
