For more than four decades, members of the Sangat have gathered each June to remember the 1984 Ghallughara and to seek acknowledgement and justice for its victims. Consistent with that longstanding tradition, Sikh Religious Society (“SRS”) approved transportation assistance for some of its members wishing to attend this year’s observance in Chicago who asked for arrangements to be made.
It has come to our attention that certain unauthorized activities took place during the event that extended beyond the purpose for which transportation assistance was approved, that is remembrance of the 1984 Ghallughara and the pursuit of justice for its victims as per the following flyer shared with the Sangat (see right):
SRS did not authorize, endorse, sponsor, any activities or statements that extend beyond that purpose shown in this flyer.
It has come to our attention that certain activities and views expressed during the event were presented as the voice or position of SRS or Palatine Gurdwara. Any such representation constitutes misrepresentation by individuals who were not authorized to represent SRS in this unauthorized manner. Such activities were unauthorized, and undertaken solely by those individuals in their personal capacities and remain their sole responsibility. Those claims, activities, and statements do not reflect the position of SRS or its membership and should not be interpreted as representing or attributable to SRS. Prior to the event, the Executive Secretary sent an email to event organizers clarifying details and scope of the event.
SRS is addressing this matter directly with those involved through its internal governance processes, consistent with its Constitution and Code of Conduct, section 5.
Organizational resources and support are provided only for authorized purposes and should not be construed as endorsement of activities beyond those purposes.
SRS’s position on 1984 remains what it has always been: a call for historical acknowledgment of wrongdoing and justice for its victims, pursued in a peaceful manner without animosity or intention of insult towards anyone.
For any inquiries related to this press release please contact ExecutiveSecretary@srschicago.org.
