The South Asian Community Shouldn’t Have To Wait A Century For An Apology, Says NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair!
SURREY – The Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation held its remembrance of the 98th Anniversary of the forced departure of the Komagata Maru from Vancouver on May 23, 1914.
The incident involved the arrival of 376 emigrants from India aboard the ship Komagata Maru who were barred entry to Canada, despite the fact they all had valid passports. The vessel sat in Burrard Inlet for weeks, with its human cargo deprived of food and water by authorities hoping to weaken their resolve.
Passengers attempted to fight the racist immigration policies keeping them from shore, but all except a handful were ultimately deported two months after their arrival.
Speakers, which included Jaswinder Toor and Raj Toor from Desendents of Komagata Maru society, Surrey-North MP Jasvir Sandhu, who again made a formal call for an apology in the House of Commons last week, shared brief history and stories of the Komagata Maru incident and a candlelight vigil was held around Bear Creek Pavilion.
Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation President Harbhajan Gill pledged that Foundation will be raising funds for the Surrey Food Bank as they did last year.
Commemorative Komagata Maru T-shirts will be handed out on our July 23, 2012 function at Bear Creek Pavilion with food and monetary donations being made to benefit the Surrey Food Bank.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair read a statement in the House of Commons to mark the Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Tragedy.
“98 years ago today, the ship Komagata Maru, arrived in Vancouver’s harbour. Due to the discriminatory “continuous journey” regulation, passengers were prevented from disembarking while the ship remained in Burrard Inlet for two months. Passengers were even denied basic necessities, including food and water.,” Mulcair said.
“This was one of several incidents in the early 20th century involving Canada’s exclusion laws, designed to keep out immigrants of Asian origin and descent.
“The tragedy of the Komagata Maru marks a dark chapter in Canadian history, one that must be honoured by the recognition of the failures of our past, and inspire us to pursue a more equal Canada for future generations.
“A formal, official apology on the floor of the House of Commons for this tragedy is long overdue and a necessary part of the healing and reconciliation process.
“On Monday, May 28th, New Democrats will vote in support of our motion asking the Prime Minister to finally apologize in the House of Commons for the 1914 Komagata Maru incident. We hope that all members of the House, and Canadians across the country, will support this motion.
“The South Asian community shouldn’t have to wait a century for an apology. “
