So what makes this historic event a genocide? "It was not riot, it was genocide instead. Hundreds of innocent people were killed. The pain of the kin of riot victims cannot be compensated by even paying crores of rupees."
Multiple Commissions, Committees and Special Investigation Teams (SIT) were set up to investigate the Genocide.
The attacks had a momentous effect on Sikhs across 18 states and over 100 cities in India. More than 30,000 Sikhs were killed throughout India, many of whom were burnt alive. More than 300,000 Sikhs were rendered homeless throughout India.
Two lessons can be drawn from the experience of the Delhi riots: 1. The extent of criminalization of our politics and 2. The unreliability of our police force in a vastly critical situation affecting the livelihood of an entire community.
"It was barely a fortnight since thousands of Sikhs were orphaned, widowed, or rendered homeless in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination...”- Manoj Mitta, HS Phoolka, When A Tree Shook Delhi
The Myth: Only the Congress Party was motivated to attack Sikhs // The Reality: Suggests something different
Genocide doesn’t happen in isolation. It is a combination of deep-seated hatred and racism. There are many who will deny the 1984 Genocide. But I remember…
I once met an elderly man who had taken pictures before and after 1984. I asked him: “What was it like photographing 84’?” His response: “I feel like I have been photographing 1984 my entire life.”
Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?
Thirty-three years ago the world’s fourth largest army marched into Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, India.
Dr. Pritpal Singh shares his reflections on the events of 1984 in India against Sikhs, where many innocent lives were lost.
Date: June 10th or 11th, 1984 – General Brar via his ADC (Aide de Camp) requested to meet a few of the old Sikh and Hindu families in Amritsar. Grudgingly, my parents agreed to host the dinner. The General (wearing his decorated uniform) along with 5-7 Indian Army Officers entered our home in a celebratory mood, as if they were to going to attend a victory lap. But, what transpired was very different. There were approximately 40 civilians from various families also present.
Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984. What is the language of violence? How do we find such language for translating the unspeakable? And who speaks for those who suffer the violence? Our panelists, Gauri Gill, Sarbpreet Singh, and The Singh Twins, will delve into questions surrounding the representation of 1984.
Why is Remembrance necessary? Join Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh as they discuss 1984 and explore its parallels with human rights movements today. How do we continue to push for the Rights today? What are the Responsibilities of the Sikhs and the Indian State?
How do we remember? How do we advocate? How do we survive? In this episode we feature three leading voices in the November 1984 Anti-Sikh pogroms study.
We're taking an in-depth look at the events of Operation Blue Star in 1984 in Amritsar, Panjab. It's considered the third Ghallughara, or massacre, in Sikh history. The Indian government assaulted the sacred Golden Temple Complex and Akal Takht. In this episode, SikhRI's Senior Fellow on Research and Policy speaks to a live audience to provide clarity and context on the operation and it's legacy on the Sikh community. He answers why the attack happened, it's the historical context and why the memory is kept alive in #Remember1984.
I once met an elderly man who had taken pictures before and after 1984. I asked him: “What was it like photographing 84’?” His response: “I feel like I have been photographing 1984 my entire life.” His response shook me and it became a very significant moment for me. This experience led me to question - Why do I care about the violence that occurred during 1984…why should I care?
What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984? Listen to this discussion between Harinder Singh and the Sikh Cast host, Manpreet Singh.