Communities unite for unveiling of Sikh Genocide Memorial in Valentines Park

Redbridge Council and the Sikh community, in a powerful display of unity, recently came together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

To honour the victims, Redbridge Council, Vision RCL, and local community representatives collaborated to establish a profound and enduring memorial in the borough - the first of its kind in London. This memorial stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Sikh community and the importance of never forgetting the past.

A poignant and heartwarming ceremony was held to unveil a memorial tree and plaque near the Northbrook Road entrance of Valentines Park in Ilford. The chosen Indian Horse Chestnut tree, a symbol of resilience and remembrance, stands tall, inspiring us with the strength of the Sikh community who lost their lives in the massacre.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, also known as the 1984 Sikh massacre, was a series of violent attacks against Sikhs in India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Government estimates project that about 2,800 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and 3,350 nationwide, whilst other sources estimate the number of deaths at about 8,000–17,000.

The service began with Ardaas (prayer) and Shabad Kirtan (hymns), offering attendees a space for reflection and solidarity. Community leaders, residents, and representatives from various organizations gathered to honour the victims and reaffirm the values of unity and remembrance.

Guests included Wes Streeting MP, Jas Athwal MP, Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture, and Communities Cllr Namreen Chaudhry, and other local councillors. Their heartfelt words underscored the importance of acknowledging past injustices and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to members of the local Sikh community who have worked incredibly hard to make this happen. It's hard to believe that 40 years have passed since this tragic event in India's history.

"Redbridge is a borough where people of different backgrounds and religions live in harmony, and unity is our strength. Redbridge has a long, proud tradition of being home to thousands of people from the Sikh community, and it is only fitting that we provide a permanent memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives in 1984. As Leader of the council, I felt enormous pride in being part of such a poignant and emotionally charged occasion. Too often, we do not learn from the lessons of the past, and we must join together to oppose the persecution and oppression we see in the world today."

Tasveer Singh Palray, who helped organise the memorial event, said: "Redbridge council has supported the Sikh Community in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh massacres in India. This is the first memorial of its kind in London and will help coming generations of Sikhs to remain connected with the historical events and atrocities committed. It will serve to educate the wider public, increasing empathy and mutual co-existence."

Local Sikh organizations such as Karamsar Gurdwara, Singh Sabha London East, Dasmesh Darbar, and Ramgharia East London actively supported the event, underscoring the strong roots of the Sikh community in Redbridge. The Seva Team was also commended for their efforts in providing langar — the traditional Sikh practice of free community meals — to all attendees.

The memorial tree and plaque now symbolise the Sikh community’s resilience and the importance of remembering historical events to promote healing and education. Many attendees expressed gratitude to Redbridge Council and Vision RCL for their leadership in facilitating this meaningful occasion.

The gathering concluded with prayers and a shared sense of unity as community members pledged to continue advocating for justice, awareness, and solidarity in the face of adversity.