‘Just another riot in India’: remembering the 1984 anti-Sikh violence
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Date
2015
Authors
Aulakh, Jasneet
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In this article,1 I aim to problematize the ‘riots’ label that defines the 1984 anti-Sikh
pogrom following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Focused in, though not
limited to Delhi, the pogrom included the death of approximately 3 000 Sikhs, the
destruction of homes and gurdwaras, and mass rape. By remembering the attacks
as ‘riot’, both the government and the public depict the violent acts as unorganised
and spontaneous mob activity, trivialising the systematic nature of the pogrom and
denying central government and police complicity. This effectively silences the victims
who have yet to earn any recognition or rights as victims, including death certification
and arrests of perpetrators. Using interviews, unpublished police reports and court
affidavits, I explore the ways in which voices are silenced for the sake of preserving
national integrity, and how national narratives can continue to oppress victims.
Description
Keywords
Gandhi, Indira, Assassination, Sexual violence, Victims
Citation
Aulakh, J. (2015). 'Just another riot in India': remembering the 1984 anti-Sikh violence: special issue. Acta Academica: Silence after violence and the imperative to'speak out', 47(1), 208-227.