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What was the significance of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984?
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, also known as the 1984 Sikh Massacre, was a series of organised pogroms against Sikhs in India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. The ruling Indian National Congress had been in active complicity with the mob, as to the organisation of the riots.
What happened to the Sikhs in India?
Hundreds of Sikh women gang raped throughout India by goons, police officers and civil administrators and told that next generation (after rape) will be loyal to Government. Hundreds of Gurudwaras and thousands of Guru Granth Sahibs were burnt and desecrated.
How many Sikhs died in the Kuruksetra riots?
The ruling Indian National Congress had been in active complicity with the mob, as to the organisation of the riots. Independent sources estimate the number of deaths at about 8,000–17,000 whilst government estimates project that about 2,800 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and 3,350 nationwide.
What happened at the Sikh Reference Library?
Devinder Singh Duggal was responsible for overseeing the Sikh Reference Library and recalled that the Army fired on the complex for several hours starting around 12:30 p.m. on June 1. The next day passed relatively peacefully as the military lifted the curfew and allowed large numbers of Sikhs to enter the complex.
What happened to the Sikhs of gurdwaras?
From February 17th to 24th, Sikhs were killed, dozens of Gurdwaras were burned. and hundreds of shops owned by Sikhs were looted and plundered by Hindus under the orders of Bhajan Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana. No action against the Hindus was taken.
What was the situation like in Punjab in 1983?
By 1983, the situation in Punjab was volatile. In October, Sikh militants stopped a bus and shot six Hindu passengers. On the same day, another group killed two officials on a train. The Congress-led central government dismissed the Punjab state government (led by their party), invoking the president’s rule.
Who are the Sikhs in India?
The Sikhs are one of India’s ethno-religious groups, primarily found in the northern Punjab province. Throughout India’s history from the earliest of times, the Sikhs and the Hindu have always co-existed peacefully.
Who are the key accused in anti-Sikh riots cases?
Former union minister HKL Bhagat, Congress leaders Jagdish Tytler, Congress lawmakers Sajjan Kumar, Lalit Makan, Dharam Das Shastri, were some of the key accused in riots cases, for instigating mobs. Delhi High Court convicted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
What caused the 1984 Delhi riots?
The riots broke out after the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards – Satwant Singh and Beant Singh – on October 31, 1984. Groups of armed men targeted Sikhs across Delhi and attacked their houses and shops.
What was Rajiv Gandhi’s infamous speech?
On 19th November 1984, while giving a speech in front of thousands of people, then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had justified the violence that took place after Gandhi’s assassination. He had said, “ Jab bhi koi bada ped girta hai, to dharti thodi hilti hai. (When a big tree falls, the earth shakes.)” The infamous speech by Rajiv Gandhi
How many Sikhs were displaced in Delhi due to the blast?
At least 50,000 Sikhs were displaced. Sultanpuri, Mangolpuri, Trilokpuri, and other Trans-Yamuna areas of Delhi were the worst affected. Perpetrators carried iron rods, knives, clubs, and combustible material (including kerosene and petrol).