Author: Vivek Shukla
Forty years ago today, anti-Sikh riots broke out in Delhi after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. One anger extinguished the lamps of many homes, separated wives from their husbands, daughters from their fathers, sisters from their brothers. It seemed as if the fire of this protest was about to destroy everything. Recalling the violence and arson, an eyewitness said that at that time even the most luxurious areas of the country’s capital Delhi were under siege. In the year 1984, film lovers had come to watch Brook Shields’ film ‘The Blue Lagoon’ at the luxurious cinema hall Archana in Greater Kailash-1, South Delhi, but on October 31, at the 3 pm show, half the seats were empty. There was no official news, but everyone came to know about the attack on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There was an atmosphere of uncertainty.everyone was shocked and confused
The question in everyone’s mind was whether she would be able to survive. Even during the interval, the gatekeepers could be heard discussing the news in whispers. By the time I came out of the theatre, All India Radio had broadcast the news of Indira’s assassination, which was carried out by her Sikh bodyguards. The roads were jammed. Vehicles were honking wildly, which was unusual in those days. Everyone looked stunned and confused.
Gradually winter was coming and it became completely dark around 6.30 pm. I walked to the nearest bus stop. Around 60-70 passengers were waiting for DTC buses, the major mode of public transport in those days. There was no bus. After a wait of 45 minutes, 521 came, which went to Connaught Place supermarket. It was completely packed, but a few of us managed to get inside.
just screaming everywhere
A young woman wearing salwar-kameez was crying like a child. She was repeating again and again, “How will the country run now? Who will run the country now?” Others were agreeing by nodding their heads. Three-four Sikh passengers were looking extremely worried. When the bus reached Kotla, we got our first glimpse of what lay ahead. The air was filled with black smoke. From Kotla to Janpath, dozens of cars and scooters were either in flames or lying abandoned. The brave driver kept changing routes to reach the destination. Every few minutes, angry mobs armed with sticks and bats could be seen stopping vehicles on the road.
Connaught Place was also transformed
A little before Le Meridien Hotel on Janpath, arsonists stopped our bus. He abused Bhindranwale and Khalistanis. He did not hide his face. They were moving dangerously from one end of the bus to the other in search of prey. Luckily, the Sikh passengers had already disembarked. A passing car asked our driver not to go to CP, which was barely half a kilometer away. The driver told us in a heavy Haryanvi accent, “Now the bus will not move further. There is chaos ahead.”
There were neither any buses nor any auto-rickshaws. I was trapped and scared. Around 8.30 pm, I went to CP(Rajiv Chowk). Designed by British architect Robert Tor Russell, the CP was named after Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught and grandson of Queen Victoria. Since its completion in 1933, it had been one of the capital’s best shopping and business districts and a major attraction for tourists. It looked very different that night.
CP kept burning for 72 hours
Many shops were engulfed in flames. The roads were littered with stones and broken glass. Vehicles were burning like paper. The smell of smoke was filled in the air. Law and order had lost to the merchants of death. Not a single policeman was visible. The famous Big SM & Sons, known for quality garments and located next to the Regal Building, had already been looted and burned. Its owner Amardeep Singh and his Sikh employees managed to escape just before the mob attacked their showroom. The nearest police station is a five-minute walk from the shop.
In Janpath Market, Dhruv Bhargava, owner of Adarsh Store, protected two Sikh customers. They remained hidden inside the shop for about 12 hours. Violence and arson continued in CP for the next 72 hours. RP Puri, the late, legendary owner of CNA, which sold magazines and newspapers published in most languages, gave shelter to at least six Sikhs inside his bookshop. He also gave them food. All were employees in different offices.
Even decades later, Puri’s eyes become moist remembering the horrific scenes of the anti-Sikh riots. He had earlier witnessed the arson of CP after the Quit India Movement in 1942. Many shops owned by foreigners, such as Ranking & Company (now Mohan Lal Sons), were then burnt, though not looted. The famous bakery Wenger was left closed that day. On my way to my home on Rouse Avenue, I passed through Shankar Market located on the outer edge of CP. Rioters had pelted stones at a Sikh-owned Cola factory. They had already burnt several vehicles carrying the bottles. I reached home after 9 pm.
Note: When communal riots broke out in Delhi after Partition, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi came to the national capital from Calcutta on September 7, 1947. He worked tirelessly to quell the riots and save the Muslims. The riots stopped due to his efforts.
The author is the author of Delhi’s First Love, Connaught Place.
Time.news Interview: Reflecting on the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots with Dr. Anjali Mehta
Editor (Mark Chen): Good day, and welcome to Time.news! Today we are joined by Dr. Anjali Mehta, a historian and sociopolitical analyst with a focus on communal violence in India. With the 40th anniversary of the tragic anti-Sikh riots of 1984 upon us, we felt it was crucial to reflect on the impact of those events and what they mean for contemporary India. Dr. Mehta, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you, Mark. It’s an honor to be here to discuss this important and painful chapter of our history.
Mark Chen: Forty years ago today, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sparked what can only be described as a horrific wave of violence against the Sikh community. What stands out to you as the most significant consequence of those events?
Dr. Mehta: One of the most significant consequences was the deepening of communal fissures within Indian society. The violence resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent Sikhs and caused immense suffering that reverberated throughout families and communities. The riots not only extinguished lives but also extinguished trust—trust between communities, trust in law enforcement, and trust in the government itself. It fundamentally altered the fabric of Indian society for decades.
Mark Chen: Eyewitness accounts describe an atmosphere of panic and uncertainty in Delhi—how does this reflect the broader context of political tensions in that era?
Dr. Mehta: The panic and uncertainty were manifestations of a society already on edge. Following the emergency period and with rising political tensions, the assassination acted as a catalyst, releasing pent-up hostilities. The riots became a tragic expression of collective anguish and anger towards the political establishment, which many felt had betrayed them. But importantly, it highlighted how quickly collective grief could turn into violence when mixed with political agendas.
Mark Chen: In the aftermath of the riots, many areas of Delhi, including affluent neighborhoods, were not spared from the violence. How did the nature of these riots challenge the public perception of safety and community?
Dr. Mehta: The fact that even the luxurious areas of Delhi fell under siege really shatters any illusion that wealth or social status can protect one from communal violence. It showed that when violence erupts, it is indiscriminate and can engulf all in its path. People began to question their safety and the stability of their urban lives. The situation made individuals more suspicious and fearful of their neighbors, ultimately leading to a more fragmented society.
Mark Chen: In your opinion, how important is it for contemporary India to remember and reflect on these events every year?
Dr. Mehta: It’s crucial to remember these events, not just as a historical marker, but as a reminder of the consequences of communal hatred and political manipulation. Reflection fosters understanding and dialogue about the past, which is essential for preventing history from repeating itself. It pushes society to acknowledge its wrongs and work towards healing and reconciliation instead of division.
Mark Chen: As we look forward, what lessons can policy-makers and society take from the 1984 riots to ensure such violence is not repeated?
Dr. Mehta: First and foremost, there needs to be a robust mechanism for accountability. Perpetrators of communal violence must be brought to justice without delay or bias. Furthermore, we need to prioritize inter-community dialogues and education that fosters understanding and dismantles stereotypes. Lastly, fostering inclusive policies that address the grievances of all communities will help rebuild trust and promote social cohesion.
Mark Chen: Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for your insights on this significant yet painful topic. As we remember the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, let us remain committed to promoting peace, healing, and unity among all communities.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me, Mark. It’s a conversation we must continue to have for a better future.