1984 Sikh Genocide Rememberance

Sikhs around the world have come together today to remember and pray for those Sikhs who were murdered in 1984.

In June of that year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault, ‘Operation Blue Star’, on the most significant religious center for the Sikhs, Darbar Sahib (i.e. the Golden Temple), in Amritsar, Punjab – many Sikh civilians were killed.

On the 31st October, Indira’s 2 Sikh bodyguards killed her for ordering the attack on Harmandir Sahib. This sparked an attack against the Sikhs once again, with thousands of genocidal killings of Sikhs around the country.

According to official reports, within three days, nearly 3000 Sikhs had been murdered. Unofficial death estimates are far higher. Over thirty years later, those who survived the violence have not yet received justice.

Music artists and those in the industry have taken to their social media platforms to spread their messages and thoughts with the hashtag #neverforget1984

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1984 • Tyres represent the thousands who had them forcefully placed over their heads by the mobs and burnt alive. Tanks represent the storming of the holiest of places for Sikhs. Bullets represent the countless killings, attacks and rape that pierced the heart of many then and now. The Black and white to symbolise the hair and darkness of the act by the then, Prime Minister of India. The Ninth Guru who sacrificed his physical being to save a religion. Bhagat Singh, who was hung fighting hard for the independence of India to unite all in the nation. And lastly, a sea of flowers of all those who died from such a tragedy. • Whether it’s fighting for injustices in 2020 or that of the scenes on June 1, 1984 – its the resistance that makes for history and will never be forgotten. This piece serves in memory of the many innocent lives lost (and for those still enduring pain) from the tragedy which took place after 'OPERATION BLUESTAR' in 1984. The day the Indian Army entered the complex of the holiest of places for Sikhs, the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Harmandir Sahib). Many died, many had their hands tied with their own turbans and shot and many live to be haunted by those tragic scenes mourning family members who will not come back. • Sometimes all we need to do is reflect. A reminder on sacrifices, unity and peace. Under the heavens we are but one family it’s just that somewhere along the way, …we seem to forget that. • 👳🏽‍♂️💙

A post shared by Amandeep Singh (@inkquisitive) on Jun 1, 2020 at 3:51am PDT

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A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) on Jun 1, 2020 at 7:15pm PDT

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#neverforget1984

A post shared by Jazzy B (@jazzyb) on Jun 2, 2020 at 8:21am PDT

This is disgusting. The sikh community need anwsers & justice. Today is also the day our holiest shrine sri harmandir sahib was attcked by the indian army “Operation Bluestar” and we still have no justice. Never forget84. https://t.co/aoas1bsopI

— Steel Banglez (@steelbanglez) June 1, 2020

It's so easy for us to just take a picture from the archives and post it on social media. But its important to never forget and never stop fighting for justice to be served for what happened in 1984.#neverforget1984 pic.twitter.com/DnfECZWgB1

— JAZ DHAMI (@THEJAZDHAMI) June 1, 2020

Today we remember and pray for Sikhs who were murdered in 1984 at the golden temple and the riots that concluded. Never forget. #neverforget1984

— Panjabi Hit Squad (@PanjabiHitSquad) June 1, 2020

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today marks 36 years since the beginning of the Sikh genocide in 1984. this isn’t a topic you’ll read about in history books, but we will NEVER ever forget the innocent lives that were lost 💔 also, Jagtar Singh Johal has been held in detention (without charge) since 2017. he was abducted in Punjab by plain clothed officers and subject to 3rd degree torture 😭 his family haven’t heard from him since September 2019 & have no update on his wellbeing during the Covid19 pandemic 💔 I feel so helpless with everything going on in the world, but I know I have a platform and may be able to help in some way, so if anybody has suggestions on how I can get involved please leave them in the comments below or DM me 🙏🏾 #neverforget1984 #freejagginow

A post shared by NEELAM KAUR GILL (@neelamkg) on Jun 1, 2020 at 9:35am PDT

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Not only are we fighting against systemic oppression alongside our Black and Aboriginal friends, but today marks the 36th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, the beginning of coordinated brutality against Sikhs across India. My heart is heavy with the weight of so many injustices, past and present, but we gain resilience through our unity. Let us never forget, let us never be silent, let us share our stories and amplify the stories of others. Let us all do our part to be the justice we want to see in the world. If your heart also feels the weight and you’re not quite sure how to handle it, please know I am here with you. Holding you close ❤️ (beautiful artwork by @inkquisitive)

A post shared by Lilly Singh (@lilly) on Jun 1, 2020 at 5:27pm PDT

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Waheguru Ji Sb te Mehar karo🙏

A post shared by KaurB (@kaurbmusic) on Jun 1, 2020 at 7:59pm PDT

#neverforget1984 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Art by @Inkquisitive pic.twitter.com/vcwkWyCHF9

— Punjabi Rockstar (@JuggyD) June 1, 2020

Check out ‘Sant Sipahi’, by G.S Nawepindiya, G-Funk and Ashok Prince – a song dedicated to the 1984 Sikh Genocide.