On the 39th anniversary of the tragic 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom in Delhi, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the magnitude of violence and the lasting shame it has brought. Beyond political manoeuvring, it is incumbent upon the Congress to sincerely apologise for their involvement in the unrest. In his emerging role as the party’s leader, Rahul Gandhi, with his pledge to foster love in a realm rife with hatred – Nafrat ke bazaar me mohhabbat ki dukaan – should take the lead in initiating the process of reconciliation and progress.
The 1984 Sikh massacre not only resulted in the loss of life but also dealt a devastating blow to the community’s dignity and pride. Echoing the sentiments of the Nanavati Commission report, the riots not only inflicted pain on the Sikh populace but also jolted the conscience of all right-thinking individuals across the nation. The Commission’s investigations into the cases in Delhi and other parts of the country, such as Bokaro and Kanpur, unearthed not just mass killings but also the active participation of Congress workers and certain ‘prominent’ leaders of this party. Despite affording these leaders the opportunity to defend themselves, they failed to provide a compelling defence and instead resorted to manipulating facts.
Nearly four decades have passed since those tragic events unfolded. While some advocate for the Sikh community to move on and introspect, it is unjust to sweep their anguish and trauma under the rug. Numerous reports, including those by the Nanavati Commission and the 2018 verdict by the Delhi high court, indicate that Sikhs have been hesitant to share their narratives with the world, leading to a sense of isolation and alienation.
The adage “justice delayed is justice denied” rings true. The Sikh community has been losing faith in the judicial system, and this feeling of alienation is deeply ingrained in their lived experiences. While Justice S. Muralidhar displayed sensitivity and humility in acknowledging the pain, suffering and trauma endured by the Sikh community, his sentencing of culprits such as Sajjan Kumar and various Congress workers begs the larger question – can it truly be considered justice?
Also read: India in 1984, and a World Bound By Compassion
One of the primary issues at hand is the refusal of the perpetrators to accept responsibility for their actions. Leaders such as Kamal Nath and Jagdish Tytler are yet to apologise or even admit their involvement, despite eyewitness accounts presented in court. Disturbingly, not only have these culprits’ evaded justice, but they have also been rewarded with high political positions, including roles as MLAs, MPs, ministers and even chief minister. Even Rahul Gandhi admitted in a television interview that certain Congress leaders were complicit in the tragic events.
Despite the Nanavati Commission’s appeal to the conscience of the nation, the liberal section of Indian society has failed to recognise the Sikh community as victims. The term ‘riots’ itself is a bone of contention for Sikhs, as it implies clashes between two sides, whereas the events of 1984 constituted targeted violence, akin to genocide, with Sikhs as the sole victims. While the liberal section raises concerns over the rehabilitation of rapists and the welcoming of accused individuals, they often fail to address the issue of Congress leaders who have either been convicted or faced serious allegations.
Gandhi’s response to queries about the 1984 tragedy has been problematic. During his Bharat Jodo Yatra, he evaded condemning the events directly, instead referencing statements made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. His reluctance to apologise is disheartening, given his vocal pride in the achievements of his family members, such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. If one takes pride in their virtues, one must acknowledge their vices as well.
While Gandhi’s recent visit to Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and his acts of Sewa during ordinary days of the Nanakshahi calendar may have been interpreted as a significant gesture, it remains imperative to question the concrete actions taken by the Congress and Gandhi towards reconciliation and the wellbeing of the families affected by the 1984 tragedy. Nowadays Gandhi has been visiting various sections of society and sharing videos of his visits on social media. Can he pay a visit to the widow colony of Tilak Nagar in Delhi, where many men fell victim to the horrific events of November 1984?
Also read: If Rahul Gandhi is Asked About the 1984 Killings Again, This is What He Should Say
Gandhi’s recent expression of regret for the failure to conduct a caste census and implement women’s reservations is commendable. Shouldn’t the same regret be extended to the Sikh community? While these families require special social security measures and an environment conducive to their well-being, what Sikhs truly seek is a straightforward admission and apology from Gandhi, should he wish to be their leader. This sentiment resonates across the global Punjabi community. Rehabilitation, psychological support and community engagement can follow, but the initial acknowledgment of wrongdoing is a necessary step toward reconciliation and the restoration of respect for the Sikh community.
No matter how many visits Gandhi makes to the gurudwaras, his trust among Sikhs and Punjabis will remain elusive unless he acknowledges past grievances and initiates dialogue for reconciliation. If he truly espouses the ethos of Sikhi, he must embody the principle of ‘Mann niwan, matt uchi (being humble in mind and elevated in thinking)’ and earnestly extend his goodwill towards the Sikh community. Electoral manoeuvring notwithstanding, the pressing reality is that Sikhs require a compassionate leader who is willing to lend an ear, facilitate healing and foster progress.
Harinder Happy is a PhD Scholar at the Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He can be reached at harinderhappy.jnu@gmail.com.