Anti-Sikh riots remain tragic and shameful chapter in country’s history: Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi, a Congress leader, has described the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a "tragic and shameful" chapter in India's history. She explains that the riots occurred in the wake of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. Following the assassination, many initially welcomed the removal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his associates, who were seen as violent and threatening the country.

However, Gandhi notes that anger over the Prime Minister's assassination soon turned into violence against innocent Sikhs. Over 2,000 people were killed in Delhi alone, with many Sikh-owned businesses and homes destroyed. Rajiv Gandhi, who became Prime Minister after his mother's assassination, made multiple appeals for peace on national television and visited affected areas.

He urged the public not to seek revenge and invoked his mother's words: "Do not shed blood, shed hatred." Sonia Gandhi portrays her memories of those days as clouded by shock and fear for her family's safety. Despite Rajiv Gandhi's efforts, the country experienced severe governance breakdown, and the violence continued. Sonia Gandhi also discusses the subsequent investigations and legal proceedings, noting that several commissions were established but justice remained elusive for many victims.

She defends the Congress party's relationship with the Sikh community, emphasizing that the party has recognized the community's contributions to the nation.