The Sikh community, known for their distinct identity marked by turbans and beards, had faced a long and tumultuous history marred by instances of violence and discrimination. Examining historical events sheds light on the broader context of religious intolerance that has plagued certain regions, influencing the present situation for Sikhs around the world. From the ghastly events of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India to instances of discrimination abroad, the Sikh community’s struggle against violence and intolerance remains a poignant chapter in the annals of history. The tragic killings of Sikhs abroad have refreshed the wounds of long and painful history of violence and discrimination faced by this faith community. Understanding this past is crucial to contextualizing the present and working towards a safer future for Sikhs globally.
The 1970s in Punjab saw discontent among some Sikhs due to discrimination, unfulfilled autonomy promises, and resource issues. This fueled alienation and marginalization, paving the way for Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s rise. Bhindranwale, a radical preacher advocating for Sikh rights, championed greater Punjab autonomy and later, a separate Sikh state – Khalistan. He fortified the Golden Temple complex, gaining a large following and establishing a parallel administration, solidifying his influence. This, along with his inflammatory rhetoric advocating for Khalistan, clashed with the Indian government, leading to escalating tensions and violent incidents.
This resulted in ‘Operation Blue Star’ ordered by Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, with the aim was to silence demands for Sikh religious and political autonomy, and resulted in the deaths of 492 civilians. The holiest shrine of the Sikhs-the Golden Temple complex (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab was desecrated. The brutality of the ‘Operation Blue Star’ was not confined to the Harmandir Sahib. Indian armed forces simultaneously attacked 40 other historical gurdwaras all over East Punjab. In retaliation, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. The assassination of Indira Gandhi led to the retaliatory 1984 Sikh Genocide. Within a period of three days, almost 3000 Sikhs were murdered, and the human rights of thousands more were violated.
In fact, the attack on the Harmandir Sahib and genocide of Sikhs accelerated the liberation of their movement for independent state in the Indian Punjab, named Khalistan as Bhindrenwale became a folk hero. But, the Indian government made every effort to crush the same with the state machinery.
To maintain its control over the Harmandir Sahib, another attack was launched on the Temple in 1987, called ‘Operation Black Thunder’. It was conducted by National Security Guard in April 1986 to flush out extremists and terrorists from Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar. This time the only Sikh resistance which was the natural outcome of the tragedy was the main target. In that connection, quite a number of people of their community were killed and dead bodies lay inside the sacred place for many days.
According to a report, many trucks were loaded with dead bodies and all were burned with kerosene oil. Afterwards, ‘Operation Woodrose’ and ‘Operation Black Thunder-II’ were conducted against the Sikh community, which also assassinated them extra-judicially.
The 2005 Nanavti commission described the ‘systematic’ nature of the attacks, whereby men were beaten before being burnt alive. This therefore contradicts the common media portrayal of the 1984 events as “anti-Sikh riots”, since a “riot” denotes actions that were sporadic and spontaneous. Instead, the atrocities committed are more accurately described as a genocide. Sikhs were deliberately targeted in a strategic and coordinated manner.
The violence was fueled by a toxic mix of political opportunism, religious fanaticism, and longstanding communal tensions. The aftermath saw little justice for the victims, with many perpetrators going unpunished. This tragic episode scarred the Sikh community, leaving a deep-seated fear and mistrust that continues to shape their experiences today.
The historical instances of violence against Sikhs have left an indelible mark on the community, influencing their present situation. Even today, Sikhs are at target, in India and in safest countries of the world like UK, USA, Australia and Canada. Sikhs continue to grapple with the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, seeking a safe piece of land where they can live without fear of being killed just because of their turban. The scars of discrimination persist, both in India and abroad, as Sikhs navigate a world that sometimes fails to appreciate their unique identity.
Despite the challenges, the Sikh community has displayed remarkable resilience. Efforts to raise awareness about Sikhism, promote interfaith dialogue, and combat stereotypes have gained momentum. It is high time for the world to give Sikhs their due recognition and place so they can live a dignified life. Every community deserves to get their due right and place.
