Play depicts notorious incident

A performance, presented by the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV, will commemorate the Komagata Maru incident

A performance, presented by the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), will commemorate the Komagata Maru incident.

UFV has organized a play performance of the incident, which occurred in 1914, when 376 passengers of South Asian descent landed on B.C. shores hoping to enter Canada. They were denied entry and for two months the potential immigrants were forced to stay on their ship, the Komagata Maru. Only a handful were allowed to come to shore, while the rest were forced to return, only to be shot at by British Indian troops at Budge Budge, Calcutta. Many of the men were killed, injured, or imprisoned, while others were forced into exile.

The performances will be held at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way) on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Doors will open a half-hour before the performances.

Tickets are $15, or $10 for students and are available online. For more information visit ufv.ca/cics or call 604-851-6325.

Abbotsford News