US Senator on anti-Sikh riots: '1984 one of the darkest years in modern Indian history'

The anti-Sikh riots which India witnessed in 1984 were raised on the floor of the US Senate by an American legislator belonging to the Republican party. US Senator Pat Toomey called 1984 "one of the darkest years in modern Indian history".

In his speech to the Senate, Toomey reportedly said, "The world watched as several violent incidents broke out among ethnic groups in India, with several notably targeting the Sikh community."

Widespread violence against Sikhs had broken out after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on 31 October 1984. More than 3,000 Sikhs were reportedly killed in the subsequent bloodshed in many parts of India.

Also report: 'Killing of Sikhs in 1984 not riots but genocide': Diljit Dosanjh

Senator Toomey, who is a member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, said, "To prevent future human rights abuses, we must recognise their past forms. We must remember the atrocities committed against Sikhs so that those responsible may be held accountable and that this type of tragedy is not repeated against the Sikh community or other communities across the globe."