Watch the video of the 16 June 2024 rally and stage presentations remembering the Sikh shaheeds of 1984 and the thousands of Sikhs who have suffered in the 40 years since 1984.
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Listen to this song and watch the video by Harbhajan Mann
"This song is dedicated to the victims of the 1984 Genocide, there families are still seeking for the justice. This week, light a candle in your window and whisper a silent prayer in memory of more than 5,000 Sikh men, women and children slaughtered by political hoodlums 30 years ago. In Delhi alone, 2,733 Sikhs were burned alive, butchered or beaten to crucial death. Women were raped while their terrified families pleaded for mercy. For three days and nights the killing and pillaging continued without the police. Now here we present in a tremendous voice of Harbhajan Mann, a new track "Delhi 1984" showing the arrogance of injustice with the Sikh people in 1984." Read this personal account by Amitav Ghosh of the massacre of innocent Sikhs by murderous mobs in Delhi in 1984.
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Books on the Sikh genocide of 1984
Hover over each title below, then click on the title to see details about it.
"Who are the guilty?"
A 1984 publication (download a pdf here) based on eye-witness accounts of the massacres in Delhi of Sikhs. The document includes names of those accused of murder, looting, rape or other crimes against Sikhs. It concludes: "...the attacks on members of the Sikh Community in Delhi and its suburbs...were the outcome of a well organised plan marked by acts of both deliberate commissions and omissions by important politicians of the Congress (I) at the top and by authorities in the administration."
"Sikhs: the untold agony of 1984"
Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay. The following summary is from Goodreads: "Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay walks us through one of the most shameful episodes of sectarian violence in post Independent India and highlights the apathy of subsequent governments towards Sikhs who paid a price for what was clearly a state-sponsored riot. Poignant, raw and most importantly, macabre, the personal histories in the book reveal how even after three decades, a community continues to battle for its identity in its own country."
"When a tree shook Delhi: the 1984 carnage and its aftermath"
Manoj, Mitta & H S Phoolka
"1984: The Anti-Sikh Riots and After. "
Suri, Sanjay; HarperCollins, 2015.
"Partition and Independence in Delhi: 1947-48.”
Economic and Political Weekly (1997): 2261-2272.
"The Anti-Sikh Pogrom of October 31 to November 4, 1984, in New Delhi"
a case study by Lionel Baixas
"Betrayed by the state: the anti-Sikh pogrom of 1984"
by Jyoti GREWAL. Read a review of this book, here
"Hear-Telling the Chauraasi Archive: Performing Testimony After Trauma"
Contemporary Theatre Review, 33:4, 354-372 (2023); Sharanya;
"A critical analysis of foreign intervention in the Sikh Genocide of 1984"
a 2022 paper by: Anup Singh Choudry, Isabirye Joel, Mbabazize Mbabazi, Ojo Olusola. It concluded "that they [the international community] did not play a role in quelling the crisis and bloodshed is also in itself troubling "
"Revised Edition of “Sikh Genocide 1984” "“Sikh Nasalkushi 1984”"
"Edited by Sikh Siyasat News editor Parmjeet Singh Gazi and Sikh researcher Ranjeet Singh, this book tracks the footprints of genocidal violence against Sikhs across India during 1984." published by Bibekgarh Parkashan For more information and to order, click here.
“Turmoil in Punjab : before and after blue star : an insider's story"
by Ramesh Inder Singh, 2022.
Watch this interview of the author in which he describes the events that led to the 1984 attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar by the army, and the alternative actions to army invasion and the carnage that took place.
The interview is accompanied by the following summary "Watch the interaction of Dr Pushkar, Director- ICG with Ramesh Inder Singh, Author – Turmoil in Punjab before & after Blue Star which is based on extensive research and first-hand accounts of those who lived through those volcanic years. The book is an eye-opening narrative of the genesis of the Punjab conflict, the rise of radicalism and the Khalistanis, and the elimination of militancy from the state.
Punjab went through a politically turbulent period between 1978 and 1994, triggered by the rift between Sikhs and Nirankaris, and fuelled by the operations Blue Star, Woodrose and Black Thunder I and II. Narrated as an eyewitness account by Ramesh Inder Singh, then the district magistrate of Amritsar, and later the chief secretary of Punjab, this book affords an insider's view of the events that ignited the strife and created the socio-political fault lines that divided Punjab in those years. It also describes the terrorist violence in Punjab, the state response to the military operations, the death of thousands of innocent citizens, the shocking assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent lynching of close to 3,000 Sikhs in the national capital of Delhi, which set in motion a devastating ethno-national movement in Punjab."
Watch this interview of the author in which he describes the events that led to the 1984 attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar by the army, and the alternative actions to army invasion and the carnage that took place.
The interview is accompanied by the following summary "Watch the interaction of Dr Pushkar, Director- ICG with Ramesh Inder Singh, Author – Turmoil in Punjab before & after Blue Star which is based on extensive research and first-hand accounts of those who lived through those volcanic years. The book is an eye-opening narrative of the genesis of the Punjab conflict, the rise of radicalism and the Khalistanis, and the elimination of militancy from the state.
Punjab went through a politically turbulent period between 1978 and 1994, triggered by the rift between Sikhs and Nirankaris, and fuelled by the operations Blue Star, Woodrose and Black Thunder I and II. Narrated as an eyewitness account by Ramesh Inder Singh, then the district magistrate of Amritsar, and later the chief secretary of Punjab, this book affords an insider's view of the events that ignited the strife and created the socio-political fault lines that divided Punjab in those years. It also describes the terrorist violence in Punjab, the state response to the military operations, the death of thousands of innocent citizens, the shocking assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent lynching of close to 3,000 Sikhs in the national capital of Delhi, which set in motion a devastating ethno-national movement in Punjab."
“Sikhtoons.com"
a website about Sikhs created by Vishavjit Singh. This link focusses on the 1984 "pogrom". The page provides the following information:
"What is the 1984 Pogrom? An organized, often officially encouraged massacre or persecution of a minority group, in this case the Sikhs in India.1984 was witness to Indian Army attack on many Sikh places of worship including Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Later in the year thousands of Sikhs were murdered on the streets of Delhi and other cities across India. With justice still eluding those who committed these terrorist acts many Sikhtoons have been dedicated to the tragedy of 1984. Most Sikhtoons are accompanied by supplementary news items."
"What is the 1984 Pogrom? An organized, often officially encouraged massacre or persecution of a minority group, in this case the Sikhs in India.1984 was witness to Indian Army attack on many Sikh places of worship including Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Later in the year thousands of Sikhs were murdered on the streets of Delhi and other cities across India. With justice still eluding those who committed these terrorist acts many Sikhtoons have been dedicated to the tragedy of 1984. Most Sikhtoons are accompanied by supplementary news items."
“40 Years On - Witness to the Anti-Sikh Massacres of November 1984"
In conversation with author Pav Singh and presenter Bobby Friction.
When and where: Wednesday, November 6 · 6:30 - 8pm,The Wiener Holocaust Library29 Russell Square London WC1B 5DP
The event website (an to reserve a seat) is here, and it includes the following summary:
"To mark the 40th anniversary of the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms, the Wiener Holocaust Library will host an event in conversation with Pav Singh and Bobby Friction.
The genocidal attacks on Sikhs in November 1984, following the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, were one of the largest cases of collective punishment seen in modern-day India. Yet much of the primary evidence was suppressed by the official authorities, government, police, and judiciary at the time. 40 years on, we are now able to piece together the chain of events through original testimonies that led to thousands of innocent deaths.
This talk will reflect on the importance of preserving narratives and testimonies with the launch of the 1984 Sikh Archive, an evidence-led, online archive documenting the events, their causes, and consequences."
When and where: Wednesday, November 6 · 6:30 - 8pm,The Wiener Holocaust Library29 Russell Square London WC1B 5DP
The event website (an to reserve a seat) is here, and it includes the following summary:
"To mark the 40th anniversary of the November 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms, the Wiener Holocaust Library will host an event in conversation with Pav Singh and Bobby Friction.
The genocidal attacks on Sikhs in November 1984, following the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, were one of the largest cases of collective punishment seen in modern-day India. Yet much of the primary evidence was suppressed by the official authorities, government, police, and judiciary at the time. 40 years on, we are now able to piece together the chain of events through original testimonies that led to thousands of innocent deaths.
This talk will reflect on the importance of preserving narratives and testimonies with the launch of the 1984 Sikh Archive, an evidence-led, online archive documenting the events, their causes, and consequences."
“Lost in history: 1984 reconstructed"
This summary is from the site Naujawani: "‘Lost in History 1984 Reconstructed’ provides a comprehensive, nuanced and accessible account of recent human rights violations in Punjab, especially during the last quarter of the 20th century. The book engages with primary source material and eyewitness accounts, and serves as an excellent reference book for modern Sikh issues."
"The gallant defender" by AR Darshi, 1999, download a pdf of the book, here
A book about Jarnail Singh Bhinderwale including the events of 1984
"Oppression in Punjab" by Citizens for democracy, download a pdf of only a part of the book, here
Unfortunately, only part of the book is available from this link.
The struggles and inspiration of the family of Sikh martyr: Beant Singh (Indira Ghandi's assassin)
In this Satluj TV podcast (published in August 2024), the daughter of Beant Singh (Amrit Kaur) talks of the struggles Beant's Singh's widow (Bimla Kaur Khalsa) and three very young children faced after Beant Singh was shot dead immediately after he had assassinated Ghandi in 1984. It is inspirational because the family overcame adversity and Beant Singh's widow and one of his sons became successful political leaders.
The planning of Operation Bluestar in 1984 began in 1976
The Satluj TV interview [of Bhajan Singh Bhinder] that chronicles the planning of the 1984 Operation Bluestar. The podcast summary says the video:
"reveals shocking evidence that the 1984 Harmandir Sahib attack was planned years in advance as part of a coordinated campaign by Indira Gandhi to destroy Sikh people, Sikh heritage and the Sikh nation."
Note the scheming by snti-Sikh forces to erase Sikh history and identity not just in India but also abroad. Also note the ending message from Bhajan Singh Bhinder that Sikhs learn the truth about 1984 and spread their message across the world.
"reveals shocking evidence that the 1984 Harmandir Sahib attack was planned years in advance as part of a coordinated campaign by Indira Gandhi to destroy Sikh people, Sikh heritage and the Sikh nation."
Note the scheming by snti-Sikh forces to erase Sikh history and identity not just in India but also abroad. Also note the ending message from Bhajan Singh Bhinder that Sikhs learn the truth about 1984 and spread their message across the world.
Video interview and article on KS Sinha talking about Operation Bluestar (the 1984 attack on the Golden Temple)
Video interview and article of the army general who commanded 80000 Sikh soldiers. Had his strategy to defuse the stand-off between the government and the Sikhs in the Golden Temple, been followed, the carnage of Operation Bluestar might have been avoided. Sinha explains the political and military events leading up to the fateful decision to forcibly enter the Golden Temple.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's deeply insulting comments about Sikhs
She said (of Operation Bluestar): "No matter how much suffering she [Indira Ghandi] caused to this nation she crushed them [Sikhs] like mosquitoes at the cost of her own life ...even today, they [Sikhs] shiver at her name, they need a guru like her." See this video for a response by Satluj TV of her insulting statement.
"And they occupied me" - a series of videos that chroncile the events leading up to Operation Bluestar
Episode 1 and subsequent videos can be found here
A list of books about the persecution of Sikhs from 1984 on the website of the American Sikh Council
Videos of the 1984 genocide of Sikhs, from the website of Sikh Heritage Education
Images of the genocide of the 1984 genocide of the Sikhs, from the website of Sikh Heritage Education
The Sikh spirit of Chardi Kala "forever positive"
Link
Link (the creator of this video has asked that it is not downloaded. Please respect their wish.)
Link (the creator of this video has asked that it is not downloaded. Please respect their wish.)
The lure of alcohol and drugs
Sadly, many Sikhs have veered off the path of Sikhi, falling to the temptation of alcohol and hard drugs. Very few have the mental strength or good fortune to break the bonds of addiction and so their and their families' lives slowly disintegrate.
This song and video will hopefully bring them back to the path of Sikhi or it will deter those close to going off the rails. They should feel proud to be a Sikh (pride is not to be mistaken with either ego or superiority). The song is the title song to the film "Proud to be a Sikh"
I personally abhor those who cultivate alcoholism in Punjabi films (directors and producers) and who portray Sikhs merrily knocking back liquor. It is right that art portrays reality, but I do not endorse "art" that gratuitously promotes alcohol and in so doing, lures impressionable viewers to also drink. See this video (at 1hr 26m 52s) for an illustration of the distasteful (and shameful) portrayal of "Jats" consuming liquor.
I do not regard those "Sikhs" who sell liquour and cigarettes to shoppers, as genuine Sikhs. Sure they will argue they are earning money from their own efforts and not living off state handouts, but consider the obvious conflict of what they are peddling to the basic principles of Sikhi.
If that conflict is not enough to show these retailers are not genuine Sikhs, then consider the lives they are directly and indirectly destroying through their peddling of alcohol and drugs to addicts. Also consider the additional strain their trade is placing on local health services.
These peddlars of liquor might also argue, that if they stopped selling liquour and cigarettes then someone else will sell these drugs. That is likely, but stopping trading in drugs is not solely about money. By no longer peddling misery through the sale of drugs, I hope these retailers will feel a personal satisfaction (of following Sikh principles) that outweighs any dissatisfaction from their monetary loss.
This song and video will hopefully bring them back to the path of Sikhi or it will deter those close to going off the rails. They should feel proud to be a Sikh (pride is not to be mistaken with either ego or superiority). The song is the title song to the film "Proud to be a Sikh"
I personally abhor those who cultivate alcoholism in Punjabi films (directors and producers) and who portray Sikhs merrily knocking back liquor. It is right that art portrays reality, but I do not endorse "art" that gratuitously promotes alcohol and in so doing, lures impressionable viewers to also drink. See this video (at 1hr 26m 52s) for an illustration of the distasteful (and shameful) portrayal of "Jats" consuming liquor.
I do not regard those "Sikhs" who sell liquour and cigarettes to shoppers, as genuine Sikhs. Sure they will argue they are earning money from their own efforts and not living off state handouts, but consider the obvious conflict of what they are peddling to the basic principles of Sikhi.
If that conflict is not enough to show these retailers are not genuine Sikhs, then consider the lives they are directly and indirectly destroying through their peddling of alcohol and drugs to addicts. Also consider the additional strain their trade is placing on local health services.
These peddlars of liquor might also argue, that if they stopped selling liquour and cigarettes then someone else will sell these drugs. That is likely, but stopping trading in drugs is not solely about money. By no longer peddling misery through the sale of drugs, I hope these retailers will feel a personal satisfaction (of following Sikh principles) that outweighs any dissatisfaction from their monetary loss.
Discriminating against disabled Sikhs
I am against the discrimination of Sikhs unable to sit on the floor in a gurdwara. Discrimination has included: removing chairs or placing screens that block disabled Sikhs from the view of the sacred book. See this video for a detailed, considered and powerful rebuttal of those who discriminate against disabled Sikhs. It should be required viewing for all gurdwara management committees, and for anyone who is thinking of such discrimination.
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